Leicester City sign France midfielder Mendy from Nice

France Under-21 midfielder Nampalys Mendy

Premier League champions Leicester have signed former France Under-21 midfielder Nampalys Mendy from Nice on a four-year deal, both clubs confirmed on Sunday.

The 24-year-old, who helped Nice to fourth place in Ligue 1 last season, has signed for an undisclosed fee which is reported to be around 16 million euro ($17.8m).

"I am very happy to come to Leicester City. The team have just enjoyed a great season and it's excellent to be here," Mendy told the club's official website.

"For me I want to play at this level. I like the Premier League and I follow every match. It's fast and physical and I want to impose myself on the league."

Mendy, who played 110 Ligue 1 games for Nice, worked under Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri during a spell with Monaco, and becomes the club's third signing of the summer after Germany goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler and Spanish defender Luis Hernandez.

"I know the coach, I know his mentality and I know his philosophy. When he speaks it's direct and clear and for me I like this," he added.

If the transfer fee is confirmed it would be the biggest in the history of Nice after striker Loïc Rémy in 2010 to Marseille for 15 million euro.