Leicester set their sights on Leeds star as Foxes plot return to Premier League but could face competition for forward from newly promoted Sunderland

• Sam Greenwood is attracting interest after his loan spell at Preston last season
• Versatile England U21 international is keen to continue playing regular football 
• Leicester are plotting a move while Sunderland are keeping a close eye on star  

By SIMON JONES

Leicester City are weighing up a move for Leeds United’s versatile forward Sam Greenwood as they plot an immediate return to the Premier League.

Greenwood, 23, spent last season on loan at Championship side Preston North End and finished the season with 10 goal involvements, including seven goals, despite Paul Heckingbottom’s side struggling to steer clear of relegation.

The England U21 international, who was signed from Arsenal’s academy by previous Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, has one year left on contract at Elland Road. And, with manager Daniel Farke looking to bolster his attacking options ahead of the Premier League season, Greenwood’s opportunities could be limited.

After making 45 appearances last season Greenwood, who can play as an attacking midfielder, out wide or as central striker, is keen to continue getting regular game time.

He spent the previous campaign on loan at Middlesbrough, achieving similar figures. They remain admirers but it is his hometown team Sunderland who could emerge as the main threat to Leicester at this stage.

Coach Regis Le Bris will have limited funds to work with so is looking at a combination of potential domestic bargains and foreign finds and Sunderland-born Greenwood is on his radar.

Leeds’ Sam Greenwood scored seven goals on loan at relegation-battling Preston last season

Daniel Farke wants to reinvest any funds for Greenwood by bolstering his attacking options

Manager Regis Le Bris (right) has a limited budget as Sunderland return to the Premier League

It is still unclear whether Ruud van Nistelrooy with still be Leicester boss beyond the summer

Eagle-eyed supporters have even spotted Greenwood doing extra training in the area over the past week as he was photographed enjoying a CL Football Academy session alongside coaches Carl Lawson and Rees Greenwood, both of whom came through the ranks at Sunderland.

However, Mail Sport understands that the versatile forward has just been ensuring he is at optimum fitness level ahead of a pivotal summer pre-season in his career.

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Leicester set their sights on Leeds star as Foxes plot return to Premier League but could face competition for forward from newly promoted Sunderland

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