Leicester have switched their focus to Steve Cooper after talks with Graham Potter over becoming their new manager broke down.
Potter, who has been out of work since being fired by Chelsea in April last year, was the leading contender to replace Enzo Maresca at the King Power Stadium following his move to Stamford Bridge this month. Discussions had moved in the right direction since the end of last week and Potter was understood to be very close to returning to work. However, negotiations have collapsed at a late stage, forcing Leicester to revise their plans. They are in advanced talks with Cooper, who has been available since his dismissal by Nottingham Forest in December. The 44-year-old, who led Forest back to the Premier League via the playoffs two years ago, is expected to take the job.
Cooper was loved by supporters at the City Ground and will hope that he can put his experience of avoiding relegation to good use at Leicester. The east Midlands club, who won the Championship last season, have financial issues and could begin the new campaign with a points deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.
The situation is unclear and it remains to be seen if Leicester will be forced to sell players. If talks with Cooper collapse then the club may approach the West Bromwich Albion manager, Carlos Corberán.
Potter has turned down a number of roles since leaving Chelsea and there was a sense that the 49-year-old felt the environment at Leicester would suit him. He could be a contender for the England job if Gareth Southgate departs after Euro 2024.
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