Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers calls Youri Tielemans ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’

Brendan Rodgers hailed Youri Tielemans as one of Europe’s top midfielders as Leicester seek to tie the Belgian to a new deal.

Tielemans will be a key figure for the Foxes as they try to kick-start their Europa League campaign against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday afternoon, after the 24-year-old produced an inspirational performance to help them beat Manchester United 4-2 last Saturday.

Yet the big issue for Leicester is their star’s contract, which runs out at the end of next season. If Leicester have still not agreed new terms with Tielemans — who was linked with Barcelona in reports in Spain on Tuesday — they will be under serious pressure to sell next summer, or risk losing him on a free 12 months later.

Leicester City are hoping to tie down Youri Tielemans to a new contract in due course

Brendan Rodgers hailed his star man and believes he is one of the best midfielders in Europe

Rodgers did not offer an update on the current position but believes he can take Tielemans’ game to a new level.

He said: ‘There will obviously be talks with the club in terms of his contract but I continue to work with him and help him improve as a player. That’s my only focus.

‘He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see.’

Leicester are expected to field a strong side in Russia after taking one point from their opening two games, though Ayoze Perez has not travelled due to illness.