Leicester announce Yakubu coup

Championship side Leicester City have confirmed the capture of Everton striker Yakubu until the end of the season.

The Nigeria striker will link up with Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men at the Walkers Stadium on-loan and will be a key signing in the 12th-placed Foxes’ promotion push.

Eriksson believes the signing will be ‘tremendous’ for the club and is expecting big things from the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough frontman.

“Yakubu is a tremendous signing for Leicester City. He will bring pace, power and experience to the club,” Eriksson told the club’s official website.

“He has captained his country, played in major competitions and is a first-class footballer, who I am certain will help us to achieve our aims of moving up the Championship.”

“We are delighted that he is joining us until the end of the season and I’m sure that the supporters will enjoy watching him in action.”

Yakubu declared the opportunity to work with Eriksson made his decision to drop down a division an easy one.

“It means a lot to me to be joining Leicester City and to be given this chance,” Yakubu said.

“When I had the option to come here, I didn’t think twice. The manager is one of the greats in football history and to work with him presents a special opportunity for me.”

Yakubu joined Everton for over 11.25 million pounds in 2007 but has struggled with injury and fitness at the Merseyside club.

He has made just eight English Premier League starts for one goal this season and, with Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford preferred by David Moyes, he sought first-team football elsewhere.