West Ham are leading the race for Islam Slimani after discussions were held with the representatives of the Leicester City striker.

Slimani, 29, is also wanted by Newcastle United but West Ham have the upper hand.

The Hammers will continue talks for Slimani on Wednesday with Leicester wanting a permanent deal to let the Algerian forward go.

Striker Islam Slimani, pictured in training last week with Riyad Mahrez, could leave Leicester

West Ham and Newcastle are both interested in the 29-year-old, who cost Leicester £29million

Since his £29million arrival from Sporting Lisbon 18 months ago, Slimani has failed to find his feet at the King Power and could move on before the window shuts.

Leicester find themselves under siege going into the final day of the window, with their other Algerian star - Riyad Mahrez - wanted by Manchester City.

Mahrez has handed in a transfer request amid a £50million swoop by City as Pep Guardiola looks to spend big again - but Leicester are not willing to sell unless the league leaders up their bid significantly.