Danny Ward joins Leicester City on a permanent deal

Wales international Danny Ward has joined Leicester City on a permanent move from Liverpool. The 25-year-old barely featured for the Reds after making the switch from Wrexham in the summer of 2012 and he has now been offered the chance to re-establish himself with the Foxes ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Speaking to LCFC TV, he said: “I’m delighted to be here and I’m really looking forward to the future with this football club. I’ve come here to develop my all-round game and hopefully help deliver some more success. The club has had that in recent years and hopefully there’s more to come in the future.”

Meanwhile, manager Claude Puel was equally pleased to have the Welshman on board for the busy phase of their pre-season, he added:“I’m very happy to welcome Danny to Leicester City. Pre-season preparations have started well for us and with Danny joining the group, it will give us even more competition in the squad, which is crucial for us ahead of what will be another very competitive Premier League campaign.”

At present, Ward would most probably play second fiddle to Kasper Schmeichel for the Premier League duties but that could soon change with Chelsea said to hold a keen interest in the Dane.

Schmeichel was one of Denmark’s standout performers during the recent World Cup and his showing has caught the eye of the Blues, who are considering a new number one.

Over the past four seasons, Thibaut Courtois has been the preferred pick for the Blues in goal but the Belgian has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid this summer after showing little interest on extending his contract. The 26-year-old has just 12 months left on his current deal and the Blues are said to fancy his sale rather than losing him on a free next summer.