LEICESTER CITY have opened negotiations with 21-year-old defensive midfielder Walace Souza Silva as they finally look to replace the departed N'Golo Kante.

According to reports in his native Brazil, the Foxes are prepared to pay £10million for the player if he makes the switch in January.

4 Walace Souza Silva could be on his way to Leicester City in January Credit: Getty Images

4 Claudio Ranieri is confident he can lure Walace to Leicester Credit: Getty Images

Walace, who is currently plying his trade in his home nation of Brazil with Gemio, scooped an Olympic gold medal this summer.

The player's agent is already on British soil with a view to thrashing out the deal the moment the window opens.

But the young international has spent his entire career to date in Brazil so questions will be asked about whether or not Walace could adapt to life in the Premier League.

4 Walace was an Olympic gold medal winner last summer with Brazil Credit: Getty Images

Claudio Ranieri is thought to be confident of luring Walace to the Premier League with the promise of Champions League football in February.

Walace is not to be confused with the Chelsea loanee Wallace, who also plays for Gremio.

Although Leicester have struggled to find the league form which earned them the title last season their ruthless performance against Manchester City on Saturday suggests they may be on the rise again.

4 A hat-trick from Jamie Vardy had Leicester looking like them old selves on Saturday Credit: Getty Images

Even Jamie Vardy ended a 741 minute Premier League goal drought to score a hat-trick and take full advantage of City’s first half capitulation to win 4-2.

Leicester have clearly missed the services of now Chelsea midfielder Kante since he left for London in the summer but it looks like Ranieri's Christmas wishes may finally be answered.