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Craig Shakespeare keen to keep hold of Kasper Schmeichel

Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare says it's imperative that the club hold onto their best ...



Craig Shakespeare keen to keep...
Soccer

Craig Shakespeare keen to keep hold of Kasper Schmeichel

Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare says it's imperative that the club hold onto their best players over the summer if they want to continue to challenge in the Premier League.

There has been some speculation that Riyad Mahrez will look to follow N'Golo Kante - who left last summer to go to Chelsea - out of the club. Mahrez pipped Kante to the 2016 PFA Player of the Year award, but the Frenchman collected the honour this year with the Premier League winners.

Rumours have also linked goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with moves to Manchester United and Manchester City - both teams his father, Peter, played at during a glittering career.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Shakespeare said he is keen to keep hold of the Danish goalkeeper as Leicester look to build on this year's disappointing title defence.

"We're happy with him and he's happy with us," he said. "We've had no offers for him, so that's how I see it with him.

"I'd like to understand why they want to leave. I think you have to try and understand why they want to leave. You have to talk to the players, but until you get an offer, then there's no need to have that conversation.

"It's important you keep your best players in the club."

Craig Shakespeare and Kasper Schmeichel share a joke ahead of Leicester's Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico Madrid in September. Image: Nick Potts/EMPICS Sport

He commented on Schmeichel's impact on the first team and what he brings to training.

"I think he won the awards because of his consistency. He's got a strong will and a winning mentality. Very strong, it even comes across in 5-asides.

"His performances this season have highlighted that he's one of the best goalkeepers out there."

He also pointed out that having their best players tempted away from the club is not something that Leicester alone have experienced.

"I don't think we're the only club that have that, a lot of other clubs do. It's something in the modern game you have to deal with.

"Like I've said before, no player has expressed a desire to leave this football club to me or to the owners."

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