Leicester City have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign Swansea City striker Joel Piroe amid rival transfer interest from East Midland neighbours Nottingham Forest.
The Reds have previously made enquiries for the 23-year-old Dutchman, who has one year left on his contract with the Swans., but also face competition from Everton and Southampton.
With a Swansea exit looking a distinct possibility for Piroe this summer, Leicester are understood to have "made contact" with the player's representatives to discuss a move, according to Wales Online. It appears City boss Enzo Maresca is keen to move ahead of competition after Serie A club Atalanta also made an approach for the player.
As for Saints, they are said to be "keeping tabs" on the situation, while Everton were linked with a swap deal involving their striker Ellis Simms, who has since signed for Coventry City.
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Speaking about his future back in May, Piroe told Eindhovens Dagblad: "Whether I will stay in Swansea for another year is unclear. There is a lot of speculation, but it remains to be seen whether something concrete will happen.
"It is nice to hear that clubs are interested. I mainly look at where I can play a lot and continue to take steps as a football player."
Piroe has scored a total of 41 goals across the last two Championship seasons. Swansea slapped a £20m asking price on his head last summer, but that is likely to have significantly decreased with 12 months left on his deal.
