Leicester City boss Claude Puel has revealed that talks over the future of Newcastle United loanee Islam Slimani will take place at the end of the season.
The Algeria international joined Newcastle on loan in January but has only appeared for a grand total of 15 minutes so far on Tyneside after struggling with a thigh injury.
It is not yet known if the Magpies will move to make Slimani’s loan deal permanent this summer, and Puel has now revealed that talks will take place at the end of the season.
As quoted by the Chronicle, he said: “He is a Leicester player, like all of those on loan. We will have discussions about the situation of other players at the end of the season.”
Slimani finally made his Newcastle bow against Huddersfield at the weekend in a match the Magpies won 1-0, with the striker completing 15 minutes as a substitute.
OPINION
It is not yet known whether Newcastle will look to take Slimani permanently, but considering his impact so far you would think not. His injury has been a massive disappointment after he arrived with so much fanfare, but it is good to see him back to fitness and ready to go. Newcastle’s intentions will become clear in the coming weeks as Slimani tries to play his way into their long-term plans. You would think that a few goals between now and the summer would convince Rafa Benitez to take a punt on him, but Leicester may deter any pursuit with a high price tag.