Leicester City are reportedly looking to step up their interest in Mainz 05 striker Shinji Okazaki after the Bundesliga side signed Japanese compatriot Yoshinori Muto.
Okazaki has been a long-standing target for the Foxes, with boss Nigel Pearson attempting to sign the 29-year-old in the past two transfer windows.
The East Midlands side tabled an £8m bid for the Japanese international in January that was rejected by Mainz.
According to the Hinckley Times, Leicester are growing increasingly confident of landing Okazaki following Mainz's Muto deal.
It is thought that the frontman is one of their priority signings this summer as Pearson prepares his side for a second season of Premier League football.
Okazaki netted 12 goals in 32 appearances for Mainz last season.
Written by
Steven Toplis
Steven Toplis
