West Brom boost as Leicester City make former Swansea City and Nottingham Forest boss 'number one' option

Leicester City are in talks with Steve Cooper about their managerial vacancy, according to a report.

The Telegraph are reporting that talks are at an 'advanced' stage between the Foxes and Cooper with the view of appointing him this week. Respected Midlands journalist John Percy says that Cooper is emerging as the 'number one' option to succeed Enzo Maresca who left for Chelsea.

In Sam Wallace's report, it is said that Leicester consider Cooper to be 'by far' the best option and are optimistic that they can survive their first season back in the Premier League, despite the talk of a punishment over Financial Fair Play rules. The Telegraph's report comes after Fabrizio Romano claimed Graham Potter was also in advanced talks, going as far as what backroom staff he would bring with him.

News of Cooper's potential appointment will come as a relief after Carlos Corberan was listed as a strong contender for the King Power Arena post. Leicester were said to have admired his playing style and coaching ability but there was a compensation barrier to overcome.

Carlos Corberan is under contract at The Hawthorns until 2027 after signing a new deal in February 2023 amid interest from Leeds United. He guided the club to a fifth-placed finish last season despite not being able to spend any transfer fees on players, instead relying on loan signings and free transfers.

Leicester instead have two men that have been out of work for the last few months at the top of their agenda. Cooper was the most recent of he and Potter that was in work, having been sacked by Forest in December. Potter spent the entire 2023/24 season out after Chelsea parted ways with him in April 2023, and he has since turned down the chance of managing Dutch giants Ajax.