AdminOne midfielder has emerged as a serious target for Leicester City this summer, with reports suggesting the Foxes are considering a deal worth around £5 million as they continue to strengthen ahead of the new Championship campaign.
Leicester are not alone in the race, however. Southampton and Preston North End are both keeping a close eye on the situation, with journalist Alan Nixon claiming the Foxes favour a permanent transfer while Preston would rather secure a loan deal.
With only one year remaining on his Crystal Palace contract after making just seven Premier League starts last season, the midfielder’s future at Selhurst Park remains uncertain.
Justin Devenny admitted earlier this summer that he wants to be playing regularly, and a move away from Palace could finally offer him that opportunity.
Leicester’s interest is hardly surprising given the need to rebuild Russell Martin’s midfield following relegation.
Martin’s possession-based philosophy places huge emphasis on control in central areas, making recruitment in that department one of the club’s biggest priorities.
Academy graduates Sammy Braybrooke, Will Alves and Louis Page are all expected to have important roles, while the futures of Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp and Hamza Choudhury remain uncertain after inconsistent campaigns.
Braybrooke appears well suited to the holding midfield position thanks to his composure in possession, while Page offers versatility across several midfield roles.
Devenny, meanwhile, brings greater senior experience and has already shown he can operate in a similar system.
Even so, Leicester must decide whether £5 million represents good value for a player who has struggled to establish himself at Palace, especially with cheaper alternatives available.
Martin’s first pre-season outing against Northampton Town should provide the clearest indication yet of the midfield profile he wants before the transfer window gathers pace.
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