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Gabonese star Mario Lemina was tipped to leave Juventus during the summer transfer window, but eventually stayed at the club after the departure of Paul Pogba.

Lemina’s move to Juventus, initially a loan, had already been made permanent in April for €9.5m, but rather than cashing-in, Juventus decided to keep the 23-year-old and he’s started five games so far this season.

However, several clubs were interested in signing Lemina during the summer, with one of them being Premier League champions Leicester City, reports Tutto Mercato Web.

Tutto Mercato Web say Claudio Ranieri felt Lemina was a ‘great’ replacement for N’Golo Kante, but Juventus were reluctant to sell him.

Bundesliga side RB Leipzig also offered around €25m to sign the former Marseille star, but the bid was rejected.

Lemina seems to be a crucial part of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans for the season. The 23-year-old managed just 10 league appearances last season, but has been featuring regularly this season and that probably explains why Juventus decided to keep him.