West Bromwich Albion are relying on long-term target Jeffrey Schlupp to force Leicester’s hand with talks at a standstill between the two clubs.

Leicester have rejected two Albion bids for the 23-year-old, the second coming in at £12 million.

A source close to Schlupp claimed the Leicester academy graduate was keen on a move across the Midlands.

Yet Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri countered those suggestions this week when he suggested the Ghana international wanted to stay at the King Power.

Albion remain interested regardless. A potential fee and wages are not an issue for the Baggies who will have to break their transfer record to sign him.

Persuading Leicester to sell, which Schlupp could influence, appears the biggest obstacle.
“Obviously we made an offer and the understanding was that the lad wanted to play first-team football,” Pulis said.

“I think he would have been keen to come to us but they are the team that hold the player and they have to decide whether they want to let him go or not.

“We can’t do anything about that. If they want to keep him at Leicester so be it. He’s under contract. That’s the way it goes.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of transfers and situations where the deal has fallen through at the last minute for no reason at all.

“Or clubs have just pulled the player back because someone has got injured or a manager has had a change of mind.

“Up until they sign that contract - that’s why it’s very important you try to keep things as close to your chest as possible.”

Schlupp, who made only 14 starts in the Premier League last season, was left out of Leicester’s squad for the 2-1 defeat at Hull City last week.

Ranieri revealed after the match that he could not guarantee Schlupp regular football, yet Leicester appear determined to retain one of their fringe players.