Leicester 'expected to accelerate their plans to sign a new defender' after Wesley Fofana broke leg

Leicester are set to step up plans to sign a central defender after Wesley Fofana was ruled out for a large chunk of the coming season following his leg break in Wednesday's pre-season friendly with Villarreal.

Fofana was the victim of a horror tackle from Villarreal forward Fer Nino -- who seemed to forget the nature of a friendly fixture -- and was left with a fractured tibula.

The injury leaves Leicester coach Brendan Rodgers extra short of defenders for their first game of the new Premier League season against Wolves, as Jonny Evans is a doubt.

And Sky Sports have reported that they want to bring in a centre-back to boost their defence for the campaign as they look to finally crack the Premier League's top-four after finishing fifth in the last two seasons on the final day.

However, they are more interested in a loan deal than a permanent signing and will discuss options on Thursday.

They are reluctant to spend money on a new defender as they expect Evans will return to full fitness soon.

And although Fofana will face a far longer recovery process, he is very much part of their future plans after a superb debut season following a £30million move from Ligue 1 side St Etienne.

The 20-year-old was scythed down from behind by Fernando Nino mid-way through the second half when Leicester were cruising 3-0 ahead.

Fofana screamed in agony and was quickly tended to by medical staff, as his fellow Foxes players appeared shaken by the nature of the injury.

A long delay saw Fofana receive oxygen on the pitch before being wheeled away on a stretcher.

Nino, having somehow escaped a red card for the horrendous challenge, made matters worse by scoring the first of Villareal's two goals in the 3-2 win, to a ringing chorus of boos from the 17,000 Leicester fans.

Fofana has established himself as a firm favourite with fans and Rodgers, making 38 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes last season.

Fofana said on Instagram afterwards 'it is a bad  day' but paid tribute to Leicester's medical staff.

'Hello guys, many thanks for all your messages. It is a bad day today but I am in a tremendous club with a wonderful medical team,' he wrote.

I will give you news as a soon as I have a final diagnosis but we already know that I have a fibula fracture. I will come soon and stronger: do not worry.'