Former Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand will undergo a doctor with Leicester City before sealing a free transfer to King Power Stadium.
The 31-year-old was the first choice in Southampton last season but chose to step down when his contract expired, and a handful of Premier League sides were quickly linked to the move for Bertrand.
There were many rumors that Arsenal were keen to win the race for his signature, but Leicester quickly emerged as leaders and David Ornstein has now confirmed that the deal is now almost complete.
Bertrand has verbally agreed on a contract with Leicester and will undergo a doctor on Thursday before the deal becomes official.
If all goes according to plan, Bertrand will ink a two-year contract at King Power, where Leicester also have the opportunity to extend it by another season.
Bertrand left Southampton after seven years / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Bertrand has been appointed as a replacement for Christian Fuchs, whose contract with Leicester expired this summer. The 35-year-old has since signed a contract to join Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.
At Leicester, Bertrand will compete with Luke Thomas for a few minutes in Brendan Rodger’s squad and will help cover for the long absence of James Justin, who excelled in the position before a nasty knee injury forced him to the side in February.
Justin is expected to stay for the first few months of the 2021/22 season, but Bertrand’s arrival will help Leicester survive until then.
Justin was excellent before his injury / Michael Regan / Getty Images
Bertrand managed 240 games for Southampton in all competitions after joining Chelsea on a first loan deal in 2014.
He spent seven years as a reliable left-back in the Premier League, and is now set to continue his top flight career with Leicester.
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