Slimani gets kick out of record deal at Leicester

Algeria striker Islam Slimani cannot wait to get cracking at Premier League champions Leicester City.

The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract, subject to international clearance, in a club-record £25.5million switch from Sporting Lisbon.

The deal could rise by another £4.2m in add-ons.

“To join a team like Leicester City is a huge honour and I can’t wait to get started,” said Slimani.

“I’ve always wanted to play my football in the Premier League and to get the opportunity to do that with the reigning champions was something I simply could not turn down.

“I saw the amazing success of last season and the passion of the club’s supporters. That’s something that I’m so excited to be a part of.”

He added: “My friend (Leicester and Algeria winger) Riyad Mahrez spoke to me about the club and about the atmosphere the Leicester fans create.

“I will give absolutely everything I have on the pitch for them and for my team-mates and I hope that together we can achieve something special.”

Slimani scored 27 goals in 33 games as Sporting finished runners-up to Benfica in Portugal’s Primeira Liga last season.

Meanwhile, midfielder Gokhan Inler has left Leicester to join Besiktas on a three-year deal.

Liverpool misfit Mario Balotelli’s miserable spell at Anfield is finally over after he completed a move to Nice.

The Ligue 1 side have got the Italy cap, who scored just four goals in 28 appearances, for free, but the Reds did not have to pay off the 26-year-old, which was a distinct possibility for a time as numerous European clubs turned down the chance to sign the striker.

Balotelli spent last season on at former club AC Milan after just one campaign at Liverpool, having been signed for £16million.

Everton have secured West Ham striker Enner Valencia on a season-long loan, with the option of a permanent £14.5m move. The Goodison Park club have also let ex-Celtic winger Aidan McGeady has joined Preston on a seasonlong loan.