Leicester City are now eyeing a move for an "unbelievable" manager, who is also being targeted by Premier League outfit Crystal Palace as a replacement for Oliver Glasner.
Leicester desperate for new manager amid relegation fears
It has been a difficult season for Leicester, with Marti Cifuentes being sacked after less than seven months in charge, in light of his very disappointing record since arriving in the summer.
Marti Cifuentes' Leicester record
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Wins
Draws
Losses
Points per game
To make matters worse, the Foxes were docked six points earlier this month, having breached financial rules, which means relegation is now starting to become a real concern.
The King Power Stadium outfit are outside the bottom three on goal difference alone, having been on a very poor run of form, picking up just one point from their last five Championship matches.
As such, it could be difficult to attract a top replacement for Cifuentes, but a manager with plenty of experience at the top level has now been identified as a target.
Football FanCast sources understand Leicester are now eyeing a move for Gareth Southgate, with the Championship side potentially set to battle it out with Crystal Palace, who also like the former England manager.
Southgate hasn't held a managerial role since resigning as the Three Lions boss, following the EURO 2024 final loss against Spain, meaning he would be available without having to pay any compensation.
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The 55-year-old is a frontrunner for the job, but he is not the only option on the Foxes' shortlist, as they have been considering a move for former Swansea City, Southampton and Rangers manager Russell Martin, who is also a leading contender.
Southgate could be "unbelievable" appointment for Leicester
The ex-England boss is certainly accustomed to handling pressure, having been under the scrutiny of the nation for nearly eight years, and the job he did with the Three Lions shouldn't be understated.
Although his side didn't manage to get over the line, reaching two finals is more than any other England manager has achieved in recent memory, with the Watford-born manager winning 64, drawing 20 and losing 18 of his 102 matches in charge.
It may be a slight concern the former Middlesbrough boss hasn't managed at club level for quite some time, and he didn't exactly make a name for himself at the Riverside Stadium, being dismissed in October 2009, a few months after failing to keep Boro in the Premier League.
However, that was over 16 years ago, and the sacking was arguably quite harsh, with Boro sitting fourth in the Championship table at the time. Southgate, who was called "unbelievable" for his man management skills by Jude Bellingham, has gained a wealth of experience since then, so he could be a solid appointment for Leicester.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the press conference Related
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It's been a disastrous time for the Foxes.