Reports say Wanderers interested in 20-year-old striker/defender

Jeffrey Schlupp, a 20-year-old striker for Leicester City, is apparently on the market. Bolton Wanderers are, again, apparently interested but first, they will have to wait for the outcome of talks between Schlupp, Leicester City, and Manchester United. The versatile young player has been on trial with United since January and has featured in two reserve games for the Reds, against Liverpool and West Ham.

Schlupp has a party trick in that he does not only play up front. On a number of occasions in the past (including Leicester's match against Bolton, Dougie Freedman's second in charge), the Ghana international with one cap to his name, has played at the left back position.

Born in Germany, the forward and his family moved to England when he was young and Schlupp joined the Foxes' academy at the tender age of 11. Rising through their ranks, he was handed a senior squad number for the 2010/2011 season but would make his first team debut the following year in the Carling Cup. He scored a hat trick against Rotherham United in that game, his first as a professional.

As mentioned earlier, Schlupp has been on trial with Manchester United for some time but is poised for a return to Leicester City, at least for the time being. Full back Paul Konchesky was forced off at halftime of Leicester's 1-1 draw with Leeds United midweek. Manager Nigel Pearson compensated for Konchesky's absence by dropping Lloyd Dyer, a winger, into the lineup. Dyer could start the match in the same position this weekend as the Foxes take on Sheffield Wednesday.

According to the Bolton News, United and Leicester City were in the middle of talking a £1.5 million move but those talks have stalled. The Trotters would be interested in bringing Schlupp in on loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

Schlupp has made 35 appearances for Leicester City over the last two seasons, only 12 of which were starts. He signed a contract extension last year, taking his current deal to 2015.