Leicester 'hoping' to complete Ruby Mace signing despite Chelsea interest

Leicester City are 'hopeful' of completing the signing of former Manchester City midfielder Ruby Mace, according to a report this week.

The 20-year-old departed the Manchester club at the end of last season following the expiration of her contract at the Joie Stadium. Mace initially moved to City in 2021 from WSL rivals Arsenal, but her game time was limited under Gareth Taylor due to the competition for places.

Mace's greatest contribution to City across her three years at the club was the Conti Cup win in 2022. The youngster featured in all six matches en route to the final of the competition before they went on to beat Chelsea 3-1 at Plough Lane.

Following confirmation of Mace's departure at the end of the season, it was initially WSL champions Chelsea who were most heavily linked with the young midfielder. It was reported at the time she would be brought in with the view to her heading out on loan in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, fresh reports from BBC Sport's Emma Sanders now state Leicester are closing in on a deal. The England junior international spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at the King Power stadium and was a standout performer as the Foxes closed a seven-point gap to safety to avoid relegation against the odds and maintain their top-flight status.

Mace was often deployed at the heart of Leicester's midfield under former manager Willie Kirk and was one of the key signings behind their incredible mid-season turnaround, alongside goalkeeper Janina Leitzig and left-back Courtney Nevin.

Now, it appears she could be poised to return to the King Power on a permanent basis ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Last term, under interim manager Jennifer Foster, following Kirk's dismissal in March, the Foxes only secured a 10th-placed finish after enjoying what was easily their best start to a top flight season before the winter break.

The East Midlands club are yet to appoint a new permanent manager, although a report from The Guardian last month suggests that Reims boss Amandine Miquel is under consideration.