A regional daily has spoofed popular dating app Tinder as part of its summer football transfer coverage.

With the annual ‘rumour mill’ in full swing, the Leicester Mercury has launched its own ‘Transfer Tinder’ game on its website to get fan feedback on the signings they like to see.

The real Tinder invites people to select whether they would like to date other users by swiping left or right after seeing a photograph of them on their phone.

But the Mercury’s twist on the app allows readers to rate players Leicester City FC have been linked with in the media by using the same technique.

The Transfer Tinder game devised by the Leicester Mercury

Mercury writer James Sharpe, who devised the idea, told HTFP: “I just thought it was a fun, modern twist on getting fan feedback on what is always such a hectic but popular transfer period with so many names coughed out of the rumour mill.

“Fan engagement is so important with online journalism and social media, and the Tinder swiping format is so familiar and popular with young people. Readers seem to be really enjoying it.

“As my colleague has said, we’re just hoping some of the players swipe right for Leicester as well.”