Russell Martin has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy if, as expected, the former Manchester United coach leaves Leicester City at the end of the season.
Reports in the national media have today claimed van Nistelrooy will step down after the final match on Sunday and that talks with Martin have already begun.
Former Swansea boss Martin earned promotion with Southampton last season but was sacked in December with the club bottom of the table and en route to an immediate return to the Championship.
If reports are true then the 39-year-old will be bringing his brand of possession-based, play-out-from-the-back style to the King Power Stadium - and speaking earlier this month he insisted he needs a good fit with the club and the fans for his footballing philosophy.
He told Match of the Day Two: “I’ve had a good break after 20 years or so of playing and then straight into management, so it’s been a nice time to enjoy,” Martin said on Match of the Day 2. “Wherever I go in next, whenever I go in next, I’ll be much better for it.
“I think it’s really important (which club he takes over next). We’ve turned a few opportunities down because it didn’t feel quite right.
“It’s about the opportunity it gives us, how we feel about it, the people you’re working for, all of it comes into account. Also, there’s the cultural context of how the style of play will fit, how the work that we do will fit with the club.
“It’s not necessarily about how they’re playing now, but maybe what the fans have been used to, maybe what’s brought them success previously.
“Definitely it’s how convinced the ownership and the people in charge are with how we do things and the methodology.
“There’s a lot to take into account but I’m really excited about whatever comes next.”
Martin's methods are not dissimilar to Enzo Maresca's - and certainly in huge contrast to those which Steve Cooper tried to adopt.
Dominating possession in the Championship, though, is one thing, doing so in the Premier League - as both Martin with the Saints and Vincent Kompany found out with Burnley, is entirely another.
Are you in favour of a move for Martin? Have your say here
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