Jamie Vardy
Vardy wants to stay put despite being subject to alluring glances from afar. Getty Images

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is content with life at the King Power Stadium despite rumoured interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. The 28-year-old netted a record 11th straight Premier League goal against Louis van Gaal's side to spark a flurry of transfer speculation.

The Daily Telegraph understand The Foxes will demand £30m ($45m) from potential suitors for Vardy during the upcoming January transfer window, with the club expecting interest in the England international. After Liverpool spent £32.5m to sign Christian Benteke from Aston Villa, the club's hierarchy are confident they can hold out for a similar amount.

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo is interested in Vardy, while United boss Van Gaal is also keen on signing the player who is formerly of FC Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town. However, the forward who eclipsed Ruud van Nistelrooy with his 11<sup>th consecutive top-flight goal is happy with life at Leicester.

"Yes, Leicester match my ambitions," Vardy, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his City contract, told Sky Sports. "I think the gaffer has come in and told the owners what he wants to do, and he wants to keep progressing. He wants to progress on what we did last year and then, in the years to come, he wants to keep us going up and up and up."

Vardy's eligibility for the Champions League and the fact he qualifies as a home-grown player means Leicester are confident of holding out for a significant fee for the striker who is likely to be at the fulcrum of transfer speculation in the coming months. However, Chelsea and United would still be keen on signing the player for reasons.

United have struggled for goals through the campaign, with only Liverpool and Crystal Palace having netted fewer in the top half this term. In addition, with Diego Costa's role at Chelsea under threat after a falling out with manager Jose Mourinho and the club could yet look to freshen up their attack. Former defender Jason Cundy says the west London outfit should break the coffers to sign Vardy.

"Obviously he is on fire at the moment," he told IBTimes UK. "Is £30m ridiculous? He is 28 years of age and he's had a 12 brilliant months. I think £30m is realistic actually and if I was in control of that deal I would get it done. You get what you pay for and at the moment you're getting a goalscorer with pace who is at the top of his game. There is a risk because he is a big fish in a small pond and to step up and play Champions League football is a big ask, but he might be leading the line for England at the European Championships next summer."