Two shock clubs come out of nowhere in race to sign Jamie Vardy after Leicester striker 'refuses' move

Two shock clubs have emerged as potential suitors for departing Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy when his time with the Foxes comes to an end.

Vardy, 38, will leave the King Power Stadium side after his contract expires at the conclusion of the Premier League campaign.

Vardy's departure will bring to an end his association with the club he joined from Fleetwood Town for £1m in 2012 and has seen him score nearly 200 goals in approaching 500 matches for the Foxes.

Vardy was the last member of Leicester's 2015-16 Premier League title winning squad still at the club as an era comes to an end in this part of the East Midlands.

Vardy also won two Championship titles, the FA Cup and the Community Shield with the Foxes, while he also scored seven goals in 26 England caps between 2015 and 2018.

Upon announcing his departure from Leicester, Vardy said: "To the fans of Leicester, gutted that this day is coming but I knew it was going to come eventually.

"I've had 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs.

"But it's finally time to call it a day, which I'm devastated about but I think the timing is right.

Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer. (Image: Getty)

"I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own. Leicester will always, always have a massive place in my heart and I will make sure that I will be following for the years to come in what I hope will be even more success for the club.

"As for now, this is my goodbye but you will see me again soon, I promise."

However, Vardy has confirmed he will not be retiring and is on the lookout for a new club in the summer.

Two clubs have now emerged as potential suitors after the striker is said to not be interested in dropping down to the Championship, which is where Leicester will be playing next season after suffering relegation from the Premier League this campaign.

According to a report by TeamTalk, newly promoted duo Leeds United and Burnley are both 'possibilities' for Vardy following he departure from Leicester.

Both Leeds and Burnley will be back in the Premier League next season after they both sealed automatic promotion from the Championship.

Daniel Farke's men took the title following a 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle, while Scott Parker's Clarets finished as runners-up following a 3-1 win over Millwall at Turf Moor on the final day of the regular EFL season.

Both sides claimed 100 points, but the Elland Road side took top spot owing to a superior goal difference.

The report states both Leeds and Burnley 'admire' Vardy due to his experience and their belief he can still score goals in the top flight.