Ulloa on verge of a transfer request

Leicester striker Leonardo Ulloa is prepared to hand in a transfer request in the next 24 hours in a bid to resolve his future.

The 30-year-old and his representatives held talks with the Premier League-winning club last night, with an offer from Alaves on the table, Press Association Sport understands.

Ulloa has been unhappy over his lack of playing time with the champions this season. He has not been rewarded with a new deal after helping them win the title last term.

The Foxes are currently considering their next move but Ulloa is unhappy at the King Power Stadium and is ready to leave.

Reports earlier this week that suggested Ulloa, who has 18 months left on his current deal, had already handed in a transfer request were wide of the mark.

Ulloa is unlikely to sign a new contract, if one were offered, and money is not an issue as he wants to play more regularly having been restricted to just seven league starts last season.

He has made just two starts this term and has scored once in 19 appearances in all competitions.

Leicester would like to keep Ulloa, who signed from Brighton for £8million in 2014, and he remains a popular figure at the club, with boss Claudio Ranieri understanding his frustrations.

Islam Slimani, a record £30million buy last summer, Shinji Okazaki and Jamie Vardy are all ahead of him in the pecking order.

With Slimani on duty with Algeria at the African Nations Cup, Leicester are reluctant to let Ulloa go this month but have been looking for a new striker just in case.