Tottenham and Leicester chasing Iceland star

Less than 48 hours after his man of the match performance for Iceland, Ragnar Sigurdsson is being chased by several Premier League clubs.

The central defender was instrumental in Iceland’s shock 2-1 victory over England in Euro 2016. Sigurdsson put in a towering performance at the back for Iceland as well as grabbing the equalizing goal after Wayne Rooney put England in front early.

Sigurdsson’s employers FK Krasnodar, who play in the Russian Premier League, have received enquiries from Schalke and Wolfsburg but it is the English Premier League that is the preferred destination. Representatives of the player have already spoken to Tottenham and Leicester City whilst Liverpool are also rumoured to be considering a move.

Sigurdsson’s career started in Iceland with Fylkir before making the move Sweden to join IFK Göteborg. The yield from Sigurdsson’s time at the club was 122 appearance and 11 goals. After four seasons in Sweden, the defender spent just over two seasons at FC Copenhagen in Denmark before moving country again to Russia’s FK Krasnodar.

The move to Russia has given the defender experience in the Europa League for the last two seasons. In addition, Sigurdsson has played 60 times for Iceland and his goal against England was only his second for his country.

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Both Tottenham and Leicester City are looking to bolster their squads in preparation for the upcoming season where they will both have a Champions League campaign to juggle with their Premier League commitments. It seems that Spurs are looking to give Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen some support by adding the 30-year-old to their defensive ranks.

Leicester have already made progressing in the defensive ranks with Luis Hernandez joining on July 1^st, via a free transfer, from Sporting Gijon. Wes Morgan and Robert Huth, the first choice partnership in central defence, are both over 30 so it appears that Claudio Ranieri’s policy is experience over youth.

To secure the services of Sigurdsson, clubs will have to pay over £4 million. Danish football magazine Tipsbladet are reporting, albeit unsubstantiated, that there could be a “on sale” clause that could see part of the transfer fee flow to FC Copenhagen. The price seems reasonable for such an experienced player and his Euro 2016 performances are encouraging teams to see Sigurdsson as a good option for their central defensive needs.

At the age of 30, Sigurdsson will not get many more chances to move to a bigger club and the prospect of Champions League football. FK Krasnodar are currently 4^th in the Russian Premier League and another season of Europa League football is the best bet if the defender stays. Moving, on the other hand, may result in fewer opportunities to play but the lure of a move to Tottenham or Leicester is too enticing.

Playing for Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp could also fit well for Sigurdsson and his aspirations. In the meantime, Sigurdsson and his team mates have a Quarter Final with France beckoning.