Relegation Poaching: Leicester City

With season's end fast approaching, the relegation picture is beginning to clear up. It's still very close, but Leicester City have been in the basement of the league for a while, and are likely to drop. I did a series last year looking at players that Aston Villa (or other teams) may want to poach from the teams that go down, and decided to bring it back. Next up will be Burnley since they're currently second bottom.

When you take a glance at Leicester's roster, it isn't a surprise that they've struggled this year. While all of their players would be great on a Championship side, there are few that would be direct upgrades for any current Premier League teams. However, some could be very useful off the bench or as rotation players who could provide depth. Credit manager Nigel Pearson for keeping them in contention for survival so far.

Kasper Schmeichel: Son of Peter Schmeichel (who was the first goalkeeper to score in the EPL, for Villa too!) and a Manchester City youth product, the 28-year-old Denmark international would be a good backup for Brad Guzan. Granted Shay Given has another year on his contract, but Schmeichel could actually challenge Guzan for the starting spot. This season, Schmeichel has kept just one clean sheet this year for the Foxes, and conceded 33 goals. However, some of that has to be attributed to poor defending, as Leicester are tied for second-most goals allowed with 51.

Marc Albrighton: A fantastic young winger... wait... Since moving across the midlands last summer, Albrighton hasn't played too much for Pearson. Just 11 appearances in the Premier League and less than 500 minutes in those, it's been a regrettable season for the former Villa man. We probably don't want him, but I just had to put him in. Sorry.

Leonardo Ulloa: Last summer, Leicester splashed £8 million on the Argentine to secure his signature from Brighton. This season, he's paid them back with seven goals and three assists. At 28, he wouldn't have much future value, but if he could be brought in cheaply it would add depth at striker.

Andrej Kramarić: Another big money forward signing, Kramarić became Leicester's most expensive transfer ever when they paid HNK Rijeka £9 million for the 23-year-old Croatian. It's taking him some time to adjust to England's top flight with just one goal in eight appearances, but he bagged six in eight Europa League games and 21 in 18 league matches while playing in Croatia. His wages are under £30 thousand a week, which means it would be possible for Villa to pay him -- if the transfer fee isn't too steep.

Are there any players on Leicester City that you'd like to see in a Villa shirt next season? Let us know in the comments!