‘I’m told Leicester have made serious enquiries’

Former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder Robert Pires claims that Leicester have made ‘serious enquiries’ to sign him.

The 36-year-old is currently available on a free transfer after his deal with Villarreal expired, and admits that he is open to the idea of a return to England.

‘If the right kind of club expresses an interest, I have no problem going over and doing a pre-season so they can have a closer look at me,’ he said.

‘There’s obviously a few big English teams chasing me. I’m told Leicester and Birmingham have made serious inquires.

‘I still think I can play in the Premier League, but the challenge of getting a team like Leicester promoted is very appealing, especially with maybe two seasons left in my legs.’

Pires made 189 appearances in his six years with Arsenal, proving a huge success in the Gunners’ invincible season of 2003/04.

With 79 French caps also to his name the midfielder possesses pedigree in abundance, something which could persuade manager Nigel Pearson to take a closer look at the player.

West Ham and Birmingham also appear to be in the mix for Pires, but given his age first team football is perhaps unlikely at either in the Premier League.

Foxes chairman Milan Mandaric has been involved in several attempts to sign players with former Premiership success, including Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Edgar Davids.

The Davids rumours picked up speed quickly much to the amazement of Leicester fans, but no agreement between the two parties could be made.

And it now appears as though Pires could be in the club’s line of sight as Pearson aims to build a side capable of gaining promotion from the Championship next season.