Rumour Reel: Champions Leicester look to Sporting’s Slimani for forward boost

With Aston Villa having dropped down to the Championship after a disastrous campaign in the top tier, West Bromwich Albion are aiming to snap up one of their Birmingham rivals’ key players for next season.

In a bid to bolster his defensive outfit, Baggies boss Tony Pulis will reportedly attempt to secure the signing of Republic of Ireland centre half Ciaran Clark, who will likely be heading to France for Euro 2016 this summer with Martin O’Neill’s Boys in Green.

London-born defender Clark would likely hope to remain in the top flight to help prolong his international career, rather than contesting in the Championship with Villa, and the Baggies missed out on him last year when initially extending his stay in the West Midlands.

Although, Pulis will be keen to renew his interest ahead of next season and could swoop to trigger the Ireland centre back’s supposed £5m release clause.

Lukaku back to the Bridge?

Elsewhere, in the capital, Chelsea may soon be reuniting themselves with a former youth star, with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku linked with a sensational return to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The towering Belgium international bulldozer recently claimed he wanted to play Champions League football, something the Blues have missed out on for next term, but the 23-year-old now seems to be keen on a comeback.

After Roberto Martinez’s exit from Goodison Park, Lukaku is believed to be eyeing a return to his old employers in a deal which could be worth an incredible £65m, despite departing Chelsea in 2014 after just one Premier League start in three years.

Related

With the summer soon upon us, Coral’s Rumour Reel is back in full swing, so check out other editions to ensure you don’t miss any major gossip.

Have a gander at our extensive Euro 2016 section too before the big kick-off.