Leicester City are set to recruit free agent Alex Smithies on a free transfer, according to this morning's Twitter update from journalist John Percy.

The 32-year-old was one of several high-profile departures from Cardiff City this summer, with the shot-stopper deciding to ply his trade elsewhere following the expiration of his contract in the Welsh capital.

It previously looked as though he would be in contention to earn a contract at AFC Bournemouth after training with Scott Parker's side - but the arrival of Neto on the south coast has seemingly ruled out that potential move.

 

 

The Foxes, on the other hand, are arguably in need of another shot-stopper with Kasper Schmeichel leaving the King Power Stadium for French top-tier outfit Nice this summer.

Daniel Iversen has also been linked with a move away from the East Midlands this summer amid interest from the likes of Middlesbrough, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, though the former have already addressed their goalkeeping department with Zack Steffen and Liam Roberts coming in.

And at this stage, it's currently unclear whether the Baggies will make a move for the Dane with Steve Bruce already having David Button and Alex Palmer at his disposal.

One club that certainly weren't in need of another stopper is former club Cardiff though, with Steve Morison moving quickly this summer to secure the services of Ryan Allsop and Jak Alnwick.

The Verdict:

It's not as if Cardiff will be worrying about this too much considering they have already bolstered their goalkeeping department, with another striker potentially the priority at this stage after bringing in Jack Simpson.

This is why their fanbase will probably just be happy to see the stopper move on to a new club with no bitterness - and it was probably the right time for the parties to go their separate ways.

The shot-stopper gets a potential chance to impress in the Premier League and the Bluebirds had the chance to rebuild their team without him - a rebuild that was much-needed following a disappointing campaign last time out.

In terms of the player, he may not be one of the first names on the teamsheet at Leicester but one or two injuries could provide him with a real opportunity to shine and he may even force his way into the matchday squad if he can impress in training.

Iversen could potentially be the number two stopper behind Danny Ward at this stage - but it remains to be seen whether the former moves on as well as Schmeichel - so this is a situation to keep an eye on.