Leicester City’s search for a manager continues as they face an uncertain future ahead of their Premier League return.
To lose the manager who guided you to the Championship title whilst overhauling the playing style in the process is not the ideal preparation for the top flight.
However, that is exactly what has happened with Enzo Maresca leaving for the vacant managerial position at Chelsea after just one season at the helm.
Numerous names have subsequently been linked to the Leicester job, with the likes of Mauricio Sarri, Carlos Corberan and Graham Potter all mentioned.
However, latest reports suggest Steve Cooper is now the leading candidate for the job.
Steve Cooper ‘leading contender’ for Leicester City job
According to talkSPORT, Cooper and the club have ‘held initial talks’ about the vacant post.
Leicester will be keen to make an appointment as swiftly as possible ahead of a crucial pre-season in which the club could also have to sell to comply with Premier League spending rules.
TalkSPORT go onto say that Cooper has emerged as a ‘leading contender’ for the role, with West Brom manager Corberan’s compensation package meaning Leicester have turned their attention to the Welshman.
The fact Cooper is out of work having been sacked by Nottingham Forest in December is one of the reasons he is an attractive proposition, as well as the fact he kept Forest up in their first season back in the top flight in 2022/23.
Cooper may not be welcomed due to Nottingham Forest past
Despite his sacking six months ago, Cooper does bring with him Premier League experience as well as being a cheaper option than the alternatives.
The former England under-17 World Cup winning manager also has a proven track record of improving individuals and his work with young players in particular is a real asset; especially if Leicester cannot be too frivolous this summer.
Morgan Gibbs-White’s progress at Forest is a prime example of this and perhaps Cooper’s appointment is the only thing that would make Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stay
However, Cooper’s association with Leicester’s rivals, Forest, is not something that is easy to forget for the Foxes’ faithful
Whether Cooper would be welcomed with open arms is up for debate, plus the fact he was sacked by Forest with the side facing the threat of relegation last season may not see him viewed as the most exciting option.
Add to that a much more pragmatic playing style than fans have become used to under Maresca and it could be perceived as an underwhelming appointment.
If Cooper keeps Leicester up, though, few are likely to care too much about who his previous employers were.
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