Four bright young Leicester stars to look out for

Tom Lawrence
Left-sided attacker Lawrence was also a casualty of United’s big summer spending spree. Being surplus to requirements should not be seen as an affront to the Welsh wing wizard, though, as he certainly has the skillset and talent to make an impact in the Premier League.

After enjoying a dream debut for the Red Devils in their final home game last season, eventually substituted for, and by, boyhood hero and then interim manager Ryan Giggs, it appeared Lawrence was tipped for the very top.

Unfortunately it seems new boss Louis van Gaal did not feel he had room for the tricky 21-year-old, who would have had to push his way past numerous marquee signings to secure a spot in attacking midfield.

At such a crucial point in his career, after shining on loan for Carlisle United and Yeovil, Lawrence left the prospect of emulating Giggs behind, instead opting to follow in the footsteps of a number of fellow Foxes, including Matty James and Danny Drinkwater, by exiting Old Trafford.

Matty James
At 23 years of age, James is slightly older than the other top prospects featured on this list, and the King Power crowd are certainly no stranger to his talents.

Last season saw the youngster, who is equally adept at assisting attacks or shielding the defence, crowned Leicester’s Young Player of the Season, after making 40 appearances as part of an impressive partnership with Danny Drinkwater.

However, midfield maestro James is still young and, despite having already enjoyed two terms in the Championship, has plenty of potential left to realise in the Premier League.

Injuries saw his progress stall with the Red Devils’ reserves and convinced James, whose brother Reece is currently rising through the ranks at Old Trafford, to move on in the quest for first-team football.

It is a decision that has paid dividends for the Bacup-born box-to-box midfielder, who recently signed a new contract with the club, and is set to return from injury in the coming weeks and finally test his abilities in the top flight.

Jack Barmby
Son of ex-Liverpool player Nick, it was somewhat of a surprise when the Red Devils released highly-rated youngster Barmby, but Foxes fans should be excited by his acquisition.

The Midlands club have previous experience in plucking potential from United’s academy and, whilst the 19-year-old appears to be headed straight to the side’s Development Squad, the rigours of a long Premier League season could yet see Barmby earn a chance to impress ahead of schedule.

Once shortlisted for United’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award, Leicester and Barmby will be hoping they can prove the Red Devils wrong in letting the England youth prospect depart the Theatre of Dreams.

The adaptable attacker netted five goals in 17 appearances for loan club Hartlepool last season, but fellow forward James Wilson was far ahead of Barmby in the United pecking order. United’s loss could once again be Leicester’s gain though.