Claudio Ranieri looking to attract Italian prospects to Leicester City

With just under a month remaining in the 2015-16 Barclay's Premier League season, a lot of attention is focused on what Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has done on the pitch. Turning a mid-table team into a title contender in just one season is a lofty accomplishment, but his greatest achievements may be happening off the pitch.

After an incredibly prosperous summer in the transfer market, Ranieri is looking to attract more world-class players to Leicester. Using his Italian influence, Ranieri appears to be heavily scouting players across the Serie A.

The buzz over Serie A stars began in January when rumors over M'Baye Niang moving to Leicester began to circulate. Although this deal originally fell through, it appears Leicester is looking to land the French striker this upcoming summer. However, the Foxes will have to stave off established competitors such as Borussia Dortmund.

There are two other AC Milan players linked with a possible move to Leicester this summer. Defender Philippe Mexes has been discussed as a possible candidate to add some depth and experience to a Leicester squad that is poised to make a splash in next season's Champions League.

The other Milan player - none other than starlet Manuel Locatelli. The 18-year-old midfielder is one of the top youth players in Italy, and Ranieri is expecting to lure the youngster to Leicester with the promise of competing in the Champions League, according to The Mirror.

Two Fiorentina midfielders have also been rumored with a switch to Leicester. Mati Fernandez was in the news about a month ago and could likely be heading to England this summer. However, with strong competition from West Ham, it could prove difficult to lure the Chilean.

Josip Ilicic has been linked more recently to Leicester, and is reportedly close to signing with Leicester for 11.15 million pounds, according to The Sun. LCFC Sporting Director Jon Rudkin was in the stands for Fiorentina's 2-0 defeat against Empoli to scout the Slovenian.

Closing in on the Premier League title, Leicester have also looked to reigning Serie A Champions Juventus in an attempt to ink Mario Lemina this summer. The Frenchman has fallen out of favor in Turin and is looking for an escape route this summer. Clubs like Dortmund, Sevilla, and Napoli are all looking to sign Lemina at the end of the season.

Perhaps the most interesting transfer rumors circulating Leicester City is the possibility of adding Italian legend Francesco Totti this summer. Totti looks to be leaving AS Roma for good this summer, most likely to retire. However, Totti has been in top form as of late and could be looking to play another year.

Italian media outlet Il Corriere dello Sport believes the 39-year-old will leave Roma this summer for a chance to play under Claudio Ranieri at Leicester. Despite offers from MLS and Middle Eastern clubs, Totti would likely desire to stay in Europe. A spot in the Champions League could be enough to lure Totti for a farewell season at Leicester.

Finally, the Foxes are in the running to secure the signature of Gianluca Lapadula this summer. The Italian currently plays for Serie B side Pescara and is enjoying a standout season. With a host of Serie A clubs as well as Tottenham also looking to acquire the striker, competition will be stiff this summer.

Pescara president Daniele Sebastiani has made it clear that Lapadula will only be sold to an important team and only if Pescara are unable to get promoted to Serie A. Pescara currently sit in fifth place, just three two points out of third place.

So as Claudio Ranieri prepares to finish the season by leading Leicester to its first English title in team history, all eyes will remain on the Italian maestro during the summer transfer window.