Israeli press links Foxes with South African defender

Lively: Left-back Tsepo Masilela

Fresh rumours have surfaced about the prospect of South African international Tsepo Masilela joining Leicester City.

It seems that, with Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa keen to push the price of the pacey left full-back beyond £2 million, the only option for Sven Goran Eriksson is to sign the Bafana Bafana defender on a short-term deal.

According to the Israeli press, the 26-year-old has signed a two-year extension to his contract with Haifa. However, he will not travel with his teammates to their pre-season tour in Austria this week and is close to signing on loan at the Walkers Stadium until the end of the season.

Masilela made his name at the former Benoni Premier United in his native South Africa before moving to Israel in 2007. He has since made 97 league appearances for Haifa, helping them to the Israeli Championship and UEFA Champions' League qualification. Since 2006 he has made 32 appearances for his country, including appearances in the African Cup of Nations and last summer's World Cup.

The transfer of Masilela now hinges on his obtaining a work permit to allow him to make the move from Israel to work in the UK. According to the player's agent, all the relevant paperwork has been submitted and it is now up to the authorities to allow Masilela to travel to the East Midlands for his medical.

Edited 27/06/2011 20:06