Brentford and QPR in transfer race for former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Amani Richards

Brentford and QPR are both interested in signing Leicester academy striker Amani Richards.

The 19-year-old’s contract at the King Power Stadium expires this summer and he will be available on a free transfer.

London-born Richards, who can play as a striker or on the right wing, could return to the capital after coming through Chelsea’s academy before joining Arsenal and then Leicester.

Sunderland and clubs from Germany, Belgium and Denmark are also interested in his services.

Richards is highly regarded and won Leicester’s academy player of the season award for 2023 after scoring more than 20 goals in all competitions.

But Leicester’s attempts to renew his contract have been hampered by his desire to play professional football.

Richards has started fewer games in the academy since his contract expired but has had the most goal involvement in Leicester’s under-21 side.

Leicester remain interested in extending his contract after signing him from Arsenal in 2022.

The Foxes clinched the Championship title on Monday after beating Preston 3-0 to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

But they will want to retain a strong academy squad at their newly-developed training ground, having lost midfielder Trey Nyoni to Liverpool last summer.

At 16 years and 243 days, Nyoni became the youngest player to play in the FA Cup in February.