JAMIE VARDY reportedly had a sensational move to Genoa BLOCKED by Arsenal legend and Invincible Patrick Vieira.
Vieira, who is the boss of Genoa, is said to have vetoed the move after club execs had put things in place for the former Leicester striker to make the move.
According to Italian outlet La Repubblica, Genoa had agreed personal terms with Vardy following negotiations spearheaded by sporting director Flavio Ricciardella.
But despite claims that Genoa had even enlisted financial help from club sponsors to pay Vardy’s wages, the deal was abandoned after Vieira didn’t give his seal of approval.
The Premier League icon reportedly told club execs he didn’t want Vardy, bringing the deal to an abrupt close.
SunSport have contacted Vardy’s representatives for comment, while a source close to Vieira said the reports were untrue.
Vardy, 38, is available on a free transfer after calling an end to his 13-year spell with Leicester after his deal expired this summer.
The former England international leaves the Foxes with a satisfying record of 200 goals in 500 appearances.
And although a potential move to Genoa appears to be off the cards, Vardy could be heading to a European giant instead.
Reports suggest that the veteran striker is closing in on a move to Rangers to play under new boss Russell Martin.
Vardy is thought to be “open” to a move to the Scottish club.
He has been urged to make the jump and raise the standards at the club by managerial icon Tony Pulis.
The legendary former Stoke boss said: “If Jamie Vardy went to Rangers he would be joining a huge rivalry, they have new owners and will want to invest into the team to make things more competitive.
“Russell Martin is at a massive, massive football club and that comes with expectations. If he does bring big names in, that will go through the roof.
“Brendan Rodgers has done an unbelievable job at Celtic and Russell will be under enormous pressure to get closer to them next year.”
However, Pulis warned that Rangers will have to act fast with Vardy likely to be in high demand.
He added: “Jamie Vardy will not be short of offers. You don’t know whether he’s waiting for another Premier League club to come in for him, but he’s been a fantastic player.
“Taking Leicester to the Premier League title, winning the FA Cup, he is a fit lad and doesn’t look to have put any weight on. I’m sure he will have something on his mind.
“He’ll have a preference and he might be waiting to see what offers he gets, but he will have options all over the world.”
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