Italian agent Stefano Salvini has revealed how he tried to place Islam Slimani at an Italian club before he started making a name for himself in Europe.

Slimani has quickly settled at Leicester City this season after a big money summer move from Sporting CP.

Salvini told TMW: "It was January of 2013, Slimani played for Belouizdad. Anyone could see his enormous potential, although he was already 24 years old.

"At the time he was not playing for the national team, but I decided to make contact with the player's agent I learned that the Algerian club was insolvent, there was the chance to take Slimani for a figure of about €400,000.

"I suggested him to Verona, Torino, Sampdoria, Palermo, Chievo ... But one that plays in the medium-low profile club, is not even considered in Italy. Taking a player for millions from the Euros is easy, but now what value has Slimani reached?"