Ulloa still part of Ranieri’s Leicester plans

Claudio Ranieri has moved to quell any fears Leonardo Ulloa might have concerning his chance to shine at Leicester City this season following the big-money arrival of Islam Slimani.

Defending champions Leicester bolstered their attack by bringing in Algerian Slimani for a record £30million from Sporting Lisbon.

Ulloa, meanwhile, looked set for a move away from the King Power Stadium with the striker attracting interest from a whole host of clubs.

The Argentinean remained at Leicester though, meaning Ranieri now has six strikers at his disposal.

But with Slimani set to join Riyad Mahrez, Daniel Amartey and Jeff Schlupp at the African Cup of Nations in January, the Italian manager knows he will need to call on Ulloa plenty of times this campaign.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“I think Ulloa will continue to play with the same mentality,” said Ranieri.

“He is a fantastic player. He is an Argentinian player with a big, big character. I love this kind of player.
“It is fantastic when you see him in the training session. He has the same opportunity to play.

“He was close to leaving because there were some teams who wanted him, but it was good for him, good for me, and good for squad not to sell him and then he stays with us.

“Also when the Africa Cup arrives we lose a lot of players and then I need players. Leo is fantastic. Every day he trains unbelievable.”