Gary Lineker has suggested that Ruud van Nistelrooy was not Leicester City's top pick to replace Steve Cooper as manager. The Foxes announced on Friday evening that the ex-Manchester United caretaker boss had taken over the reins at the King Power Stadium.
Van Nistelrooy is set for a prompt return to Premier League action after his departure from United earlier in the month.
Leicester had been associated with several candidates, including Van Nistelrooy, following their split with Cooper the previous weekend. However, Lineker, a former Foxes star and an ardent supporter of his hometown club, hinted on The Rest is Football podcast that there were others preferred by the club.
He remarked: "Whoever you go for it's a gamble. I'm informed behind the scenes that one or two managers turned it down. But it's an opportunity for Ruud. It's a big name to come to Leicester City and I hope it works out."
Before Cooper took the job, Graham Potter was reportedly considered, and David Moyes, who is available after his West Ham exit last summer, was also linked, reports the Mirror.
Ben Dawson, the City first-team coach, will oversee Leicester's clash with Brentford on Saturday (3pm), with Van Nistelrooy officially starting on Sunday. The Foxes are looking to recover from their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
Van Nistelrooy will attend Saturday's match having flown in to take up his new role, notably having secured two victories against Leicester during his short tenure at United.
Leicester City's chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, shared his enthusiasm about the new appointment, saying: "It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City. He joins a club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together."
"Ruud's experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our club."
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