Leicester break their transfer record for Sporting star Islam Slimani

"My friend Riyad Mahrez spoke to me about the club and about the atmosphere the fans create."

Leicester have announced the signing of Algeria striker Islam Slimani from Sporting Lisbon.

The Premier League champions released a statement on Wednesday with just over an hour and a half to go before the 11pm transfer deadline confirming Slimani had joined them on a five-year-deal, subject to international clearance.

Sporting said the move was worth €30million, potentially rising by another €5million - which makes Slimani Leicester's record signing.

✅ DONE DEAL! Algeria striker @slimaniislam completes a #DeadlineDay move to Leicester City. #WelcomeSlimani pic.twitter.com/uA9reEVsjd

— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 31, 2016

The 28-year-old told Leicester's official website: "To join a team like Leicester City is a huge honour and I can't wait to get started.

"I've always wanted to play my football in the Premier League and to get the opportunity to do that with the reigning champions was something I simply could not turn down.

"I saw the amazing success of last season and the passion of the club's supporters. That's something that I'm so excited to be a part of."

He added: "My friend (Leicester and Algeria winger) Riyad Mahrez spoke to me about the club and about the atmosphere the Leicester fans create at King Power Stadium.

"I will give absolutely everything I have on the pitch for them and for my team-mates and I hope that together we can achieve something special."

Slimani scored 27 goals in 33 games as Sporting finished runners-up to Benfica in the Primeira Liga last season.

Meanwhile, Gokhan Inler has left Leicester to join Besiktas on a three-year deal.

The midfielder only made five league appearances after signing for £5.5million from Napoli 12 months ago as Danny Drinkwater and N'Golo Kante restricted his playing time and had been told he could leave by Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.