Leicester City striker lined up as Romelu Lukaku replacement

Everton are plotting a surprise move for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, should they lose the services of Romelu Lukaku in the summer.

The England international had been strongly tipped to join Arsenal last year after they managed to trigger his release clause.

However, the 30-year-old was more committed towards the Foxes and he instead opted to pen a new long-term deal with the east Midlands club.

Vardy managed to bag 13 goals and five assists last season despite a slow start, and he could be offered a fresh opportunity to leave the club this summer, The Express claims.

The Toffees are due to consider club-record offers for Lukaku this summer, and it is suggested that Vardy has been identified as a potential replacement upfront.

Manchester United are planning to offer skipper Wayne Rooney in a proposed deal for Lukaku in the summer, but the Toffees are nevertheless on the search for additional recruits with Vardy on their shortlist.

Vardy is likely to assess his future at the King Power Stadium this summer with his partner in attack - Riyad Mahrez looking for a way out of the club.