TWTD understands Town target Bersant Celina’s proposed loan move to Stoke City has fallen through.
Earlier in the week it was understood the Potters were the favourites to land the Kosovo international from Dijon, however, that deal, a loan with a view to a permanent switch, has now collapsed.
Dijon remain in French Ligue 2 and need Celina, who has another two years left on his contract, off their wage bill for the season ahead with the forward not having joined them for the start of pre-season.
Town have been in talks with Celina regarding his return to Portman Road for a third spell for much of the summer with the player understood to be keen on the switch but with no agreement reached.
However, despite the Stoke deal having made significant progress before its collapse, discussions have been ongoing and Celina returning to Town could still happen but with Turkish clubs, including Antalyaspor and Kasımpaşa, also in the running. Earlier in the summer Preston were keen but their interest is understood to have cooled.
Celina spent last season on loan at Town having previously been with the Blues during 2017/18 while a Manchester City player and is very much a fans' favourite.
Meanwhile, Blues target George Hirst has been left out of Leicester’s 31-man first team squad for their pre-season trip to the French Alps.
Town are understood to have had an an offer turned down for the 23-year-old with Portsmouth, who the former England U17, U18, U19 and U20 international was with on loan last season, also interested.
As previously reported, we understand the Blues and Pompey are facing Championship opposition for Hirst, who has a year left on his Leicester contract, with one club having made an offer. Rotherham, where he spent a spell on loan in 2020/21, and Blackburn have previously been linked.