Leicester ‘in advanced talks’ to name ex-Villa boss Dean Smith interim manager

Leicester City look set to appoint former Aston Villa and Norwich City boss Dean Smith as their new interim manager for the remainder of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Foxes have endured a disastrous campaign this term, with Leicester currently sitting 19th in the table after losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth at the weekend.

First team coach Adam Sadler oversaw proceedings for the Foxes following the departure of Brendan Rodgers, who was sacked at the start of April.

READ MORE: Why Jesse Marsch's talks with Leicester broke down as focus switches to alternatives

And now it seems as though owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha is set to appoint Smith to take charge of Leicester's remaining eight Premier League games.

According to the Athletic's David Ornstein, Leicester are in advanced talks to appoint Smith as their interim manager until the end of the season. Should an agreement be reached, then Smith would be joined in the dugout by former Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare as an assistant.

However, there have been conflicting reports that also suggest former Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton boss Rafael Benitez could be in the frame for the Leicester City job too.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard has opened talks with Leicester over a move to the King Power Stadium, after talks with Jesse Marsch fell through to become the Foxes interim.

Do you think Dean Smith will keep Leicester City up? Let us know in the comments section below.

Romano tweeted: "Understand Leicester have opened talks with Rafa Benitez as potential new head coach to replace Brendan Rodgers. Negotiations ongoing trying to find an agreement with the Spanish coach. Jesse Marsch option, definitely off."

The former Champions League winning coach has been out of work since his sacking by Everton at the start of 2022.

Previously, Benitez has taken up a job similar to the situation Leicester find themselves in when he became Newcastle boss back in 2016 towards the end of the season.

Unfortunately, the Magpies were unable to stave off relegation that season but managed to come back up under the Spaniard the following season.

But regardless of who is appointed at Leicester, they will have a tough task on their hands to turn around the fortunes of a squad who should, on paper, be nowhere near the relegation zone.

READ NEXT:

  • Richard Keys labels Chelsea owner Todd Boehly a 'lunatic' as he goes on fresh rant
  • Martin Tyler forced to apologise as fan heard screaming ‘f***ing k***head’
  • Neymar's 'ex-girlfriend' left TV presenter speechless with threesome revelation
  • Hench lino who 'elbowed' Andy Robertson unrecognisable years ago in FA Cup final role

Source: Read Full Article