'Deal done' - Fulham star quits club for Premier League rivals despite Leeds United links

Fulham forward Bobby De Cordova-Reid has completed a deal to join Premier League rivals Leicester City on a free transfer following his contract's expiry at the London club this summer.

The Cottagers had been keen to keep the 31-year-old with head coach Marco Silva confirming contract negotiations. However, the versatile forward has elected to seek a new challenge with the newly promoted Foxes.

It had been reported that De Cordova-Reid was undergoing a medical on Friday and Leicester City have now officially confirmed the move is completed. It is thought that Steve Cooper has played a key role in persuading the player to join after Leeds United and Everton had also been hotly linked with a move for the free agent.

The former Cardiff City man has racked up 209 appearances for Fulham since joining in 2020. He was a key squad player last season, featuring in 33 Premier League fixtures and bagging six league goals.

A Fulham club statement read: "We would like to thank Bobby for his invaluable contributions over the last five years, and wish him well in his next chapter with Leicester City, whom we welcome to the Cottage for our first home game on Saturday 24th August."

De Cordova-Reid added: "I want to thank the fans for welcoming me at the start and for supporting me throughout the five years – it’s been a pleasure to play for you. We shared some great memories. And I’m forever grateful and forever Fulham."

Leicester City achieved promotion back to the Premier League on the first time of asking last season, winning the Championship under Enzo Maresca, who has since been appointed manager at Chelsea. Former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper was named as Maresca's successor on June 20.