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Leicester transfer news: Claudio Ranieri blocks Leonardo Ulloa from leaving because Islam Slimani is going to the Africa Cup of Nations

The 30-year-old striker has cut a frustrated figure on the bench with West Brom and Hull keen

LEICESTER CITY striker Leonardo Ulloa will not be allowed to leave the King Power this month, with West Bromwich Albion and Hull keen, SunSport understands.

The 30-year-old striker has cut a frustrated figure on the bench due to his lack of playing time for the struggling Premier League champions.

Ulloa has only started one game for Leicester this season in a bore draw with Middlesbrough
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Ulloa has only started one game for Leicester this season in a bore draw with MiddlesbroughCredit: PA:Press Association

The Argentine has been frozen out by Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri and only started his first league game in the drab goalless draw at Middlesbrough on Monday.


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Despite numerous clear the air meetings with the club, Ulloa has reiterated his desire to move this month with West Bromwich Albion and Hull showing firm interest.

SunSport has learnt Ulloa's wish to move on will not be granted by Ranieri during the January window with Islam Slimani off to the African Cup of Nations with Algeria.

The striker feels he has not been given a chance to impress this season and not being allowed to leave the King Power is another sign of his unfair treatment.

Ulloa joined the Foxes from Brighton in 2014 for a then club record fee of £8million shelled out by former boss Nigel Pearson.

Ulloa has struggled to hold down a first team place for Leicester
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Ulloa has struggled to hold down a first team place for LeicesterCredit: Reuters
Claudio Ranieri has frozen out Ulloa from his squad giving him just one start
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Claudio Ranieri has frozen out Ulloa from his squad giving him just one startCredit: PA:Press Association
Ulloa netted six times last term as Leicester won the league
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 Ulloa netted six times last term as Leicester won the leagueCredit: Getty Images

Despite not being a regular starter last term, the south American was happy to play his part coming off the bench, he bagged six league goals to help Leicester incredibly seal the Premier league title.

Swansea and Sunderland were keen to land him in the summer, however Ulloa stayed to be part of the squad to help defend their crown.

But that decision now seems to have backfired with the striker still down the pecking order behind Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okozaki.

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