Leicester transfer rumors remain consistent as Premier League season approaches

]=Trying to keep up with the transfer rumours near the end of the window is a mug’s game. In the two hours since I started writing this, several new links have been published and by the time you read this, several of these will be debunked (or possibly completed.) Here’s the current status on eight possible, and two completed, transfers in and out of the King Power:

In

George Thomas - Done deal! The Foxes have signed the out-of-contract Coventry striker/attacking midfielder. The twenty-year-old has all the tools to be a useful player, but he'll need more seasoning, particularly with his composure in front of goal, before he's likely to feature on Saturdays.

Edward Elewa-Ikpakwu - Allnigeriasoccer.com are reporting that City have beaten Manchester United in the race to sign this 16-year-old Nigerian defender. He's featured for the England U16s but remains eligible for both England and Nigeria. He clearly belongs in the "one for the future" bucket. If you know much more about him, you're well ahead of me.

Gylfi Sigurdsson - There hasn't been much new to report with regards to the Iceland international, but the Swansea man remains City's top target to replace Mahrez (and perhaps Drinkwater) should they leave the King Power. The midfielder has yet to feature in the pre-season and the Swans have stated that they are eager to finalise his status, but they have not budged from their £50 million valuation. This rumour could pick up speed quickly when/if Leicester sell one or more midfielders.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Anicet - Anicet is being touted as a potential target should Danny Drinkwater join Chelsea during the transfer window. The Madagascar defensive midfielder currently plies his trade for Ludogrets in the Bulgarian league. This one seems like a real long shot, with several dominoes needing to fall for this to make sense, but stranger things have happened.

Jonny Evans - Evans maintains that he's fully committed to West Brom and, given that the Baggies have given no indication of being willing to sell him, he doesn't seem to have much choice in the matter. Even though it's still being reported, this link has gone chilly.

Mohamed Elneny - If the Evans link is cool, then this one is ice cold. The Egypt international has confirmed his intent to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place. This was barely a rumour when announced and now should be put to rest for good...or at last until January.

Out

Riyad Mahrez - If the reports are to believed, Roma have stated that they are both they are ending their interest and still hope to sign Mahrez because this is a silly time of the year and reporters will print anything. Internazionale are rumoured to be monitoring the situation as well. I have no evidence of this, but I can't shake the feeling that Arsenal are waiting for another bid to be accepted before swooping and that the Algerian will wind up at the Emirates near the end of the transfer window.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Danny Drinkwater - Rumours of Drinky's imminent departure for Stamford Bridge continue to pick up steam. From Chelsea's standpoint, getting some midfield depth in the person of a home-grown player who has played alongside N'Golo Kanté and has Champions League experience makes sense. I still don't see how the England man would be happy with the minutes he'd get, or that Leicester have any reason to sell, so I remain skeptical

Ahmed Musa - Hull have emerged as favourites to sign the Nigerian who failed to settle in at the King Power. Even if Hull can match Leicester's valuation of the former CSKA man, this would represent a big step down for him, both in terms of competition and wages. In addition, it would leave the Foxes perilously short of wide players (assuming that Mahrez eventually leaves).

Islam Slimani - Several clubs, including Palace, Newcastle, Everton, and West Ham, are rumoured to be interested in the former Sporting man. Slimani clearly has the pace and power to succeed in England, but the fact that he lost his role as "striker who can score with his head" to Ulloa last May suggests that he could be on his way out.

There we be dozens more by the time the window closes, some more plausible than others. If you’re a betting man, bet against all of them and you’ll win more often than not.