Leeds United and Burnley face hurdle in Jamie Vardy race as new club enter battle | OneFootball

New York Red Bulls are now also thought to be chasing Vardy.

Leeds United and Burnley could face a transfer battle with New York Red Bulls this summer, with the MLS side reportedly having a ‘strong interest’ in Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy.

The outgoing Foxes star had previously been linked with another Premier League move (as per TEAMtalk), with the newly promoted duo both thought to be admirers.

However, reports from Fichajes now suggest that New York could also be a potential destination for Vardy.

The 38-year-old is believed to be in talks with a potential new club at present, although it is currently unknown which club that is.

An MLS move could be attractive for Vardy

According to reports, if Vardy were to move across the Atlantic, it is a move that would bring significant benefits off the pitch for his new employers, as well as on it.

It is understood that the Red Bulls see the frontman as a potential star, who would act as the recognisable face of their project, as well as bringing benefits on the pitch.

This is nothing new in the MLS. The likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are current examples of players who have provided a huge lift to a club’s brand in the USA, while David Beckham and Steven Gerrard have both had that effect previously.

Over the last few years, the league has become a landing ground for veteran players as a way of incorporating a new challenge (with added financial benefits) before the close of their career.

The opportunity to move abroad and experience a different culture, as well as getting a taste of what football is like outside England, could make it a particularly attractive move for the Foxes man.

Vardy is still capable at Premier League level

Whatever happens this summer, after 13 years with the Foxes, it will be a significant change to see Vardy playing in the colours of another club.

The moment for the striker to depart the East Midlands outfit was always going to come at some point, yet despite his age, it is arguably a bit of a surprise that the decision to part ways has come at this moment in time.

With eight Premier League goals to his name so far this season, Vardy is set to end the campaign as his side’s top scorer. He has also comfortably bettered his goal return from his most recent top-flight stint back in 2022/23.

While his current tally certainly isn’t as impressive as some of those he notched during his prime years, with his Leicester side so poorly equipped for life in the Premier League, it should surely be considered a strong return regardless.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s men have created the lowest number of big chances in the entire division, meaning Vardy has had to feed off scraps for the majority of the time this year.

With that in mind, it would come as no surprise if he feels he still has plenty to give at Premier League level.

As such, it could be hard for Vardy to turn down an opportunity to remain in the top flight, should one of Leeds or Burnley present it to him.

Despite both of those sides having a relatively young core at the moment, players who can bring experience like Vardy are always invaluable when stepping up a league, especially when you are likely to face an uphill battle for survival.