Jamie Vardy set to stay at Leicester City – Vice-chairman

Leicester’s vice-chairman believes the club will keep Jamie Vardy, despite the striker being linked with a £20m move to Arsenal.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha says England international Vardy is likely to stay with the Foxes.

After an impressive season which saw him score 24 goals for the surprise Premier League title winners, Vardy has emerged as a transfer target for Arsene Wenger’s Gunners.

The 29-year-old is currently playing for England at Euro 2016 and secured a vital equaliser as a substitute in Thursday’s 2-1 win over Wales in Lens.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Srivaddhanaprabha said: “You will see the news very soon, but I think he will stay.

“I think so, let’s see. We need to build the team. We keep continuing to believe that we can do something special in the Premier League and the Champions League.

“The Champions League is going to be amazing for Leicester. Leicester is the underdog and we can still be the underdog.”

The vice-chairman also revealed he enjoys a close relationship with the club’s manager, Claudio Ranieri.

“We talk a lot. We are like family,” Srivaddhanaprabha said of the charismatic Italian.

“I cannot compare myself to another owner but the best thing is we love sport. The first day we talked to the team and we showed that we are doing something we love and that we can succeed.

“I think everyone in Leicester is still pinching themselves. Even the players and staff. Now the season is finished and we have to move on.”

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Foxes will begin their title defence away to Championship play-off winners Hull on August 13.