Atletico Madrid are interested in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, according to Sky sources.

Reports in recent days have linked the Leicester striker with a move to the Champions League semi-finalists, but we have been told the level of Atletico's interest doesn't extend beyond "admiration" at this stage.

And there has not yet been any official contact between the two clubs regarding any potential deal.

The 30-year-old forward was on target against Atletico in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final last month and, although Leicester went out 2-1 on aggregate, he reportedly made a positive impression on the Atletico management.

Vardy was named Football Writers' Association Player of the Year last season, as his goals helped Leicester to a memorable Premier League title triumph.

Arsenal then put in a bid for the England man's services but he elected to stay with Leicester and signed a new four-year deal.

Leicester struggled in the Premier League for much of this season, prompting the dismissal of title-winning boss Claudio Ranieri in February.

But the club have revived under new boss Craig Shakespeare with Vardy to the fore and the former Fleetwood man's hot streak has taken him to 17 goals for the season in all competitions.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeon shakes hands with Jamie Vardy after the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter final

Any official move for Vardy from Aletico would probably require manager Diego Simeone, a confirmed admirer of the player, to remain in charge.

And Atletico would also have to be successful in their attempt to have a Fifa transfer ban lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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