Leicester make Graham Potter first choice to take over as manager

Leicester have identified Graham Potter as their first-choice target to replace Enzo Maresca as manager but are also considering other candidates including Steve Cooper. Potter has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after less than seven months.

Leicester are without a manager heading into their Premier League return after Maresca left to join Chelsea at the start of the month. Potter’s reputation is still high thanks to his work at Brighton, despite his underwhelming period at Stamford Bridge. Potter has bided his time since leaving Chelsea, recently holding talks with Brighton, after receiving interest from the Dutch club Ajax.

Leicester want a forward-thinking coach of a similar ilk to Maresca. Cooper was sacked by Nottingham Forest in December and has been in contention for a number of posts, recently turning down interest from Burnley after Vincent Kompany’s departure because he is eager to get a job in the Premier League.

Leicester are back in the top flight after winning the Championship at the first attempt after relegation but their financial picture looks uncertain. The club were charged by the Premier League over a breach of profitability and sustainability rules and could be forced to sell key players, such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, before the start of the season to help with compliance.