Leicester announce arrival of new £13m-rated centre-back

Leicester have announced the arrival of Dinamo Zagreb centre-back Filip Benkovic on five-year deal running until 2023.

The Foxes have reportedly shelled out in the region of £13m to sign Benkovic and he marks the six summer signing at the club.

Claude Puel’s side bolstered their defensive options with the signing of experienced centre-back Jonny Evans earlier in the window and have now landed Benkovic.

“I will give all my heart to this club, to all the fans, to everybody,” he told the club’s official website. “Hopefully we’ll have a very good result this season.

“The ambitions of Leicester City are so big. I like the club very much and I think it’s a very good step for me to the next level. I’m very happy to be here.”

With former Arsenal target Caglar Soyuncu also poised to join on deadline day, it raises questions about Harry Maguire’s future at the club.

The England international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, and though a deadline day move appears unlikely, it means Puel will have five centre-backs at the club next season.

Benkovic is a Croatia Under-21 international and has spent his entire career at Zagreb after making his professional debut there three years ago.

The 21-year-old brings European experience to the King Power Stadium, having previously appeared in the Champions League.

Benkovic started five Champions League groups games for Zagreb during the 2016/17 season, finishing as the third highest (2+ apps) rated WhoScored player for the club (6.71).