Report: Leicester reconcile potential loss of super scout Steve Walsh
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As quickly as it was assembled by unheralded scouts using near-unknown commodities, Leicester City's shocking Premier League-winning side could be slated to lose its next vital piece.
Head of recruitment and assistant manager Steve Walsh is reportedly close to joining Everton after being targeted by Toffees' boss Ronald Koeman who plans to appoint the former school teacher as sporting director, according to Sam Wallace of The Telegraph.
Highly coveted since unearthing the likes of Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante, Walsh has been identified as a fundamental builder of the squad after being appointed by former Foxes gaffer Nigel Pearson. Ben Wrigglesworth, who was also an instrumental part of manufacturing the table-toppers from modest resources, joined Arsenal in February.
Related: Chelsea signs Kante from reigning champion Leicester for reported £32M
While 24-goal man Jamie Vardy appears set to stay at the King Power Stadium after rejecting Arsenal's advances, Kante's departure to Chelsea Saturday has fueled further speculation that Mahrez could be next.
The French-born Algerian international has reportedly turned down an extension at Leicester amid speculation that he too could make the switch to a higher-profile club.
Related - Report: Mahrez set to reject Leicester City's new contract offer
A potential exit for Walsh paired with the exodus of key members of Claudio Ranieri's squad would signal a crisis with the Premier League champ, though it's not completely unexpected. Leicester's efforts to offer competitive raises to its marquee players has been paired with a willingness not to obstruct the transfer ambitions of its stars.
Pacey forward Ahmed Musa has been brought in from CSKA Moscow, and midfield lynchpin Nampalys Mendy was lured away from Nice during this summer's window, highlighting some foresight on the part of Leicester and its director of football Jon Rudkin.
If they should lose another player, at least the club has invested in cover. Steve Walsh may not be as easy to replace.