Need the latest Foxes transfer news? Get FREE email alerts for Leicester City FC Sign up! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has been described as the ‘nightmare’ before Christmas by Manchester United centre-half Chris Smalling.

The two England internationals go head-to-head on Saturday night at the King Power Stadium in the final Premier League game before Christmas.

The defender was asked about Vardy in the build-up to the game.

Smalling said: “He is someone who is a bit of a nightmare for defenders because he is often ratting around and chasing with non-stop running.

“He runs in behind which, as a defender, is the hardest thing to deal with, but I will be looking forward to that battle and, hopefully, I'll be ready to keep him quiet.”

Smalling also said that the United defence would also have to be wary of the threat posed by City’s widemen.

He said: "You know their qualities and their wingers - Demarai Gray is coming into the team and Riyad Mahrez is in form as well.

"So those are the players we need to keep quiet and, when we get the ball, we need to make sure that we get at their backline,” added Smalling.