Former Southampton boss Claude Puel emerges as contender to replace Craig Shakespeare after Leicester axing as Michael Appleton prepares for crucial Swansea clash

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Claude Puel has emerged as a name under consideration to become the next Leicester City manager.

Leicester’s hierarchy are expected to meet the former Southampton manager to discuss the position.

The club are looking for a successor to Craig Shakespeare after sacking the 53-year-old on Tuesday.

Ex-Southampton boss Claude Puel earmarked as potential Craig Shakespeare replacement

Puel was sacked in the summer despite leading the Saints to a League Cup final

Michael Appleton has taken temporary charge of the manager-less Foxes ahead of their trip to Swansea on Saturday, as he hopes to earn a first top-flight victory for the former Premier League champions since August.

The Foxes also go into the game on a run of three defeats in their last five Premier League games, scoring just five goals. 

Owners Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha are expected to fly to Wales for the game, speak to the players, and oversee the appointment.

Sporting director Jon Rudkin is leading the hunt and Puel has been put forward. 

The Frenchman was sacked by Southampton this summer despite guiding the club to eighth in the Premier league and a League Cup final after there were concerns over the 56-year-old’s playing style, which failed to excite fans at St Mary’s.

The Foxes are looking for a replacement for Shakespeare (right) who was sacked on Tuesday

Caretaker Michael Appleton has taken over responsibilities in his former boss' absence

The Foxes are preparing for a crucial Premier League clash with Swansea on Saturday

Jamie Vardy will be hoping to end a winless run that stretches back to August

Leicester are expected to talk to a number of candidates, as in previous managerial changes, having not lined up a replacement before dismissing Shakespeare.

Sean Dyche, who is also interested, is among the front-runners but would cost £2.5million to prise out of Burnley, while David Wagner is a contender but it may be difficult to convince the German to leave Huddersfield. 

Chris Coleman is the current bookmakers’ favourite but held positive talks with the FAW (Welsh Football Association) over a new contract on Thursday.

Despite their recent woes though spirits were high as Danny Simpson jokes with Riyad Mahrez

While captain Wes Morgan encourages his team-mates to claim their second win of the season

Burnley boss Sean Dyche is said to be interested in the job but would cost £2.5million

But Chris Coleman is a firm favourite from the bookmakers' despite 'positive' Wales talks