Edgar Davids deal is in the balance

Leicester City's bid to sign former Holland star Edgar Davids is hanging in the balance.

City chairman Milan Mandaric said he is "a bit concerned" that Davids' representatives have so far failed to respond to the club's offer.

Mandaric has given the former Dutch international until the end of this week to decide if he is to become City's biggest high-profile signing in years.

Yesterday, Mandaric was reported by one national newspaper to have given the player 24 hours to respond.

Mandaric told the Leicester Mercury: "It is still touch and go, and it's in his hands.

"I'm a bit concerned that the offer has been sitting there for four or five days and that Davids is not being prompt in making a decision.

"But we won't let this drag on past the next couple of days."

Davids is a free agent after leaving Ajax in June 2008, and Mandaric's concern will be that City's interest has alerted others to the availability of the 36-year-old former Juventus and Tottenham player.

Portsmouth, who were yesterday banned by the Premier League from signing players because of owed transfer fees, have dismissed reports linking them with the player.

City fans have also raised question marks about the fitness of Davids, who has not played competitively for more than a year.

But manager Nigel Pearson has stressed that Davids would have to meet "certain criteria, whether it's a fitness issue or anything else."

Mandaric said: "We've done our job and, if he comes, Nigel will take it from there and will go through the procedures he has in place."

Pearson said there was "nothing to report" on the Davids interest.

The City boss was on a promotional visit ahead of his bike ride from Newcastle to Carlisle with his backroom staff to raise money for Loros.

"When there is something to say, you will know," he said.

Pearson confirmed City's interest in Davids at the beginning of last week.

Mandaric said initially that he hoped to conclude the deal by last weekend.

The chairman dismissed reports that Davids would be looking for £20,000 a week and said the contract would be performance-related.

Pearson also stressed that City would not "break the bank" to acquire Davids.

The Mercury has also attempted to contact Davids' agent, Robert Geerlings, but he has not returned our calls.