Apostolos Vellios linked with move to Leicester City
Leicester City are reportedly looking at Everton striker Apostolos Vellios as a possible target when the loan window re-opens today.
City are aiming to bolster their attacking options with four forwards currently sidelined through injury.
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Apostolos Vellios
However, sources close to the Merseyside club believe that Toffees manager David Moyes may be reluctant to loan out the 20-year-old Greece Under-21 forward after selling Louis Saha to Tottenham.
Moyes has just four recognised strikers at the club – Vellios, new Rangers capture Nikica Jelavic, former City triallist Denis Stracqualursi, and Victor Anichebe.
Vellios joined Everton on a four-year deal 12 months ago from Greek club Iraklis for around £250,000.
He made his first-team debut in April last year, ironically, going on as a replacement for Jermaine Beckford, and has scored three goals – against Wigan, Chelsea and Bolton – in a total of 16 appearances.
City's list of injured strikers includes Aston Villa loanee Nathan Delfouneso, who suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's Championship defeat at Brighton.
However, the Mercury understands that the injury is not as serious as first appeared and Delfouneso, who has made three substiitute appearances so far in his month-long loan spell, will be staying at City.
But ex-Villa man Darius Vassell is still out. The former England striker has been sidelined since late October with a knee injury.
City manager Nigel Pearson is also reluctant to rush back Martyn Waghorn after a hamstring problem which cut short his loan spell at Hull when Pearson was in charge there.
Jeffrey Schlupp was stretchered off with a knee injury in the first FA Cup meeting between City and Nottingham Forest.
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by TheGeofflane
Friday, February 10 2012, 3:31PM
“Apparently he's not coming as Everton are short upfront too. But we'd need all twelve apostles to get promotion this season.”
by Norman09
Thursday, February 09 2012, 9:40PM
“TheGeofflane
That we will never ever know Geoff, as the kid never got a run with the first 11. He has been scoring in the lower leagues ok. So I hope Nigel puts Hooper on the bench and gives him another run. Last time he came on as a sub he handled the job well and showed he has some great skills.”
by TheGeofflane
Thursday, February 09 2012, 5:04PM
“Norman09. Without pace today, you are lost. Billy Kee will have a successful career as a lower league striker. But no higher.”
by USAfox
Thursday, February 09 2012, 10:28AM
“We need someone who can play well week after week, the only one we have is Schmeichel.”
by belgraveboy
Thursday, February 09 2012, 9:40AM
“i thought steve howard had a tremendous impact when he came on against boro in fact he has never let us down coming on as sub the big fella is important to our run in .and it is still possible to make the playoffs i think we will get more than 70 points ,we will see”
by Norman09
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 8:48PM
“I doubt we will get this bloke now the Mercury has run this story. Other clubs will probably beat us to the punch. That is if David Moyes let's him go out on loan.
We have Beckford back so not near as much tension in the air now after Beckford beat the rap and is allowed to play. Why doesn't Nigel stick the academy striker on the bench he scored a hat trick in the last game they played. Sounds like he may make the grade, I hope Nigel doesn't get rid of this boy like he did Billy Kee. But I have to agree if we score Apostolos
Vellios. He will be a great loan player to have in our squad.....”
by GCoatsworth2
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 7:54PM
“As a secret evertonian (we all have 2nd teams) Vellios would be a great loan signing”
by acullingham
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 7:53PM
“The team need a proper big number 9. Beckford is unable to play with his back to goal and Nugent, though better at holding the ball up, is uncomfortable as a target man.
Last time we went up we had Brian Deane as the spearhead. We need a similar player. Sen bought too many players with similar abilities . We need different.”
by DanishFox
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 4:36PM
“I thought that Apostolos Vellios was a small church near St Andreas, in Northern Cyprus??”
by Yorkfox
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 1:05PM
“Why would Everton transfer out one of only 4 strikers in the squad?”