Gary Rowett, Alan Pardew and Robert Mancini leading contenders to replace sacked Claudio Ranieri
LEICESTER CITY may have sacked Claudio Ranieri - but who is available to replace him, even in the short term?
Ranieri arguably achieved one of his best results of a terrible season with Wednesday night's 2-1 Champions League loss at Sevilla.
But it's the defending champions chronic Premier League form - they are one point off a relegation place - that has cost the Italian his job.
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As the board consider its next move, SunSport gives the lowdown on the leading 10 candidates for his job as listed by Sun Bets:
Gary Rowett 2-1
Has never managed in the Premier League - although it looked though he was taking Birmingham to the Championship play-offs this season before being cruelly sacked in favour of Gianfranco Zola.
The fact that Zola is doing so badly at St Andrew's rubber stamps Rowett, a former Burton manager, as a decent contender.
Alan Pardew 4/1
Suffered a disastrous 2106 with Crystal Palace that ended in the boot in December.
But the former West Ham and Newcastle manager always seems to bring a good feel factor whenever he is appointed to a job and manages to eke out a series of good results before reverting to type.
So Pardew, who also bossed Southampton and Reading, could be a good choice in the shiort term. He certainly has the experience.
Roberto Mancini 4/1
Has actually won the Premier League with Manchester City...but how would he fancy fighting for a club's life at the bottom of the league?
Is available, though, after leaving Inter Milan in the summer.
Not only that, the Italian actually played for Leicester on loan from Lazio in 2001.
Nigel Pearson 8/1
Engineered a remarkable recovery in 2015 to save The Foxes from relegation. A stunning run saw them rise from the bottom of the table to the Premier League comfort zone.
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Was subsequently sacked after a collapse in his relationship with the club’s Thai owners, with the dismissal of his son James understood to be a pivotal factor.
Seems strange that Leicester should call on him. But...any port in a storm?
Roy Keane 10/1
The fiery Irishman's most recent stint in the Prem was at Aston Villa, where he was an assistant boss.
Previously helped Sunderland surge up the Championship from the depths of the table and got them into the top flight.
Wasn't nearly as successful at Ipswich, though.
Neil Lennon 10/1
Another Leicester old boy who enjoyed terrific success at Celtic, but struggled more recently at Bolton.
Currently managing Hibernian and might be interested.
Roy Hodgson 12/1
Interesting. The former England manager has been in the dugout since the disaster at Euro 2016 but is thirsting for another challenge.
Despite his age will bring renewed vigour and enthusiasm and could easily unite the squad and devise an efficient playing style to keep the Foxes up.
Martin O'Neill 12/1
Could the Republic of Ireland boss return to save his old team?
Doesn't sound like an O'Neill gig - he's a little too measured and long in the tooth for a relegation fight.
Garry Monk 14/1
Virtually everyone in football wonders why Swansea were so quick to relieve Monk of his duties last season after a great start to his managerial career.
Has since proved it was no fluke as he guides Leeds towards the Championship play-offs.
Frank de Boer 16/1
Currently in talks with Rangers about their vacancy.
The legendary Holland defender was sacked by Inter Milan earlier this season after just three months in charge.
He admits he’s ready to return to the UK to work.
Gerry Taggart 20/1
Former Leicester favourite who retired in 2007 when he began his coaching/managing career with the Foxes. In 2010 was announced as the new assistant manager at Oldham Athletic. He was placed on garden leave by the club on 31 December 2012 following a run of poor results.
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