Leicester City are reportedly set to complete the signing of former Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone on a free transfer.
Leicester have endured a turbulent start to the 2026/27 League One campaign, with Russell Martin's uncompromising style of football already drawing criticism.
A 4-0 defeat to Oxford United at the King Power Stadium in gameweek five invited further pressure, but the Foxes bounced back with a 4-3 victory over promotion hopefuls Stockport County, before being held by Barnsley at Oakwell Stadium.
They return to third tier action on Saturday 10th October against Peterborough United -- who are likely to have a new manager at the helm -- and Martin is set to welcome a fresh arrival in the engine room.
As per The Telegraph's John Percy, Leicester are set to complete the signing of former Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone.
The Republic of Ireland international will join the club on a free transfer and is expected to sign a three-year contract with the East Midlands outfit.
The central midfielder -- who emerged through the Southampton youth academy -- ended his 18-year affiliation with the Saints when leaving upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Smallbone enjoyed a productive 2023/24 campaign at St Mary's, making 46 Championship appearances as the club secured promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs, but his involvement at Southampton has gradually dwindled.
He played less that 700 minutes in the Saints' dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign -- where they were relegated back to the second tier -- and spent the entirety of an injury-plagued 2025/26 season on loan with Millwall.
Despite Smallbone's inactivity last campaign, there is an element of surprise that a Championship side hasn't secured the signature of the 26-year-old. Nonetheless, it's an impressive coup for Leicester, who are seeking an immediate return to the second tier.
