Leicester have appointed Steve Cooper as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The former Nottingham Forest boss, 44, takes over from Enzo Maresca after the Italian left for Chelsea having guided Leicester back to the Premier League in his debut season.

Graham Potter was tipped to take the job but talks reportedly collapsed before the announcement of Cooper’s arrival on Thursday.

In a statement to fans, he vowed to match the club’s ambitions as they look to beat the drop in 2024-25 and pick up from where they left off before their surprise relegation just over 12 months ago.

He said: “I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester’s first-team manager.

“This is a fantastic club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League.”

Cooper spent a number of years coaching England’s youth teams before taking charge of Swansea and leading them to the Championship play-offs in back-to-back seasons.

A move to Forest followed and he secured promotion via the play-offs in his first season before beating the drop. With the team at risk of relegation again, he was sacked in December.

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester. His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the club.

“As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the club in the Premier League.”