Marti Cifeuntes should plot QPR transfer raid at Leicester City - It would break Loftus Road hearts | OneFootball

Marti Cifuentes could address the likely loss of Bilal El Khannouss by bringing in QPR's Ilias Chair.

After weeks of uncertainty, Leicester City can finally look ahead to the new Championship season knowing who will be in the home dugout at the King Power Stadium.

That’s after it was revealed that ex-QPR chief Marti Cifuentes would be taking over, with the Spaniard said to be taking a pay cut to land the job.

Whilst it hasn't been officially confirmed as yet, such commitment will please all connected to the Foxes, especially as Cifuentes will know he is walking into a club that is still in trouble financially.

Leicester City braced for Championship points deduction - transfer budget may be affected

It’s well-known that Leicester have the threat of a points deduction hanging over them, and it has been reported that Cifuentes will have to sell players before he looks to bring any new signings in.

So, several departures are on the cards, and Bilal El Khannouss is arguably the prized asset at Leicester right now, along with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Even though the 21-year-old only scored two and registered three after his arrival from Genk, there were many moments of brilliance that suggest El Khannouss could go on to flourish in a top league.

Simply put, he was a class above many of his teammates, whether it was with his eye for a pass, or his ability to beat his opponent. Of course, there are areas of his game that need to be developed, but that will come in time.

Bayer Leverkusen have been linked with El Khannouss, which gives an indication of how he is viewed in the game, so it would be a shock if he pulled on a Leicester shirt in the Championship.

Ilias Chair can bring creativity to Leicester City if Bilal El Khannouss moves on

Clearly, it would be very difficult to bring in a replacement for El Khannouss who boasts the same quality, and his potential exit would leave Cifuentes’ side with a lack of quality in the final third.

The likes of Stephy Mavididi and the injured Abdul Fatawu are quality players, but their game is about pace, whereas El Khannouss has a bit more guile and unpredictability on the ball.

So, Leicester would be in the market for a natural number ten, and the perfect replacement could be a player that Cifuentes knows well - QPR's Ilias Chair.

A deal may not be straightforward given that Cifuentes won’t be popular with his former club, but money talks and a big sale could put Leicester in a position to stump up the cash required.

And, in terms of ability, Chair has many similar qualities to his fellow Moroccan international.

He is a player who likes to drift into pockets in the final third off a striker, and the likes of Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp could be good at getting him the ball in dangerous areas.

Then, when in possession. Chair has the talent to make a difference, and he is the sort of player that will get fans out of their seats with his skill and willingness to take a risk.

Like El Khannous, he plays forward, and the 23 assists he has registered in the past three Championship seasons proves he has quality.

Ilias Chair could flourish in a better team like Leicester City if he leaves QPR

It should be said that QPR have had an impressive summer window so far, and there are rightly reasons for optimism about the direction the R’s are heading under new boss Julien Stephan.

However, the reality is that many observers would feel Leicester have a better squad, and, providing any points deduction isn’t too significant, they are more likely to be in the mix for promotion.

That is going to appeal to Chair, who is 28 in October. He is reaching the stage where the only chance he will reach the Premier League is via a promotion, and he is the type of player that could excel in a better team.

As mentioned, his quality is with the ball, so if you put him in a team that dominates possession, which Leicester should do, then he will be even better.

Leicester City must get things right this summer in order to secure quick Premier League return

If Leicester are to seal an instant return to the Premier League, then they can’t afford many mistakes in this window.

A sell-to-buy approach doesn’t have to doom a club to failure, but it leaves little room for error, and any funds that Leicester spend must improve the team.