Leicester City and Bournemouth are battling it out to sign Udinese’s highly rated midfielder Jakub Jankto. The Czech Republic Under-21 international was scouted by Arsenal throughout last season but Leicester and Bournemouth have jumped the queue by telling Udinese they are ready to make an offer now.

Jankto spent last season on loan at Ascoli in Serie B but is back with Udinese for this campaign, with the manager Giuseppe Iachini ready to give the 20-year-old a chance in the first team.

Jankto signed for Udinese in 2014 after playing youth football for Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic. He played 34 league games for Ascoli last season, scoring five goals, impressing with his tireless running. His preferred position is on the left in a 4-3-3 formation but he can operate in a variety of positions on the left-hand side.

Udinese would prefer to keep the player but his contract runs out after this season and they are fearful of losing him on a free transfer next summer. The club would accept bids of £8m or more for the 20-year-old.