RB Leipzig coach and sporting director Ralf Rangnick has revealed that he turned down the chance to sign Jamie Vardy because the Leicester City striker was 'too old'.
The 29-year-old has been a pivotal part of the Foxes' Premier League title campaign having scored 22 goals in 34 top-flight games.
Two years ago, Rangnick was offered an opportunity to sign Vardy, but he ended interest because he was only keen on signing players 24 years old and under.
"We desperately wanted to sign Joe Gomez, who later chose Liverpool, and we were flying back from London to Leipzig with his agent," Rangnick told Bild.
"In the plane, the agent said to me 'Mr Rangnick, it's a crying shame that you are so radical about who you sign and only go for players who are under 24 because I've got somebody who would be just perfect for you. I can guarantee he would become a national team player under you, but he's already 27.' It was Jamie Vardy."
Leicester can win the league if they beat Manchester United on Sunday, but Vardy will not be part of the game as he is due to serve an additional ban.
Danielle Joynson
