Claude Puel involved in discussions over possible coaching team at Leicester as they aim to name quick replacement for Craig Shakespeare

  • Leicester are looking for a new manager after sacking Craig Shakespeare 
  • Claude Puel has emerged as a frontrunner for the job at the King Power Stadium 
  • Puel has been involved in discussions with the Foxes about his coaching team
  • Ex-Southampton boss has talked about position of caretaker Michael Appleton

Leicester have reached the stage of discussing prospective assistants with Claude Puel in their search for a new manager, Sportsmail understands.

The club are casting a wide net on potential replacements for Craig Shakespeare but the Frenchman is odds-on favourite with bookmakers.

Puel was sacked by Southampton at the end of last season despite guiding the team to an eighth-place finish and the League Cup final. But supporters were unimpressed with the style of play and the 56-year-old's reserved personality in public.

Ex-Southampton boss Claude Puel has discussed his potential coaching team at Leicester

Ex-Southampton boss Claude Puel has discussed his potential coaching team at Leicester

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

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

Leicester would like an appointment before Sunday's visit from Everton and caretaker Michael Appleton will take charge of Tuesday night's Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United at the King Power Stadium. Sources stress no decision has yet been taken.


It is understood Appleton staying on as No 2 is forming part of negotiations with all candidates, and Puel in particular. The 41-year-old left his role as Oxford manager this summer to assist Shakespeare and has stated his desire to see out his three-year coaching contract.

At Southampton Puel brought in Eric Black as deputy but the former Aston Villa caretaker manager stayed on at St Mary's to help Mauricio Pellegrino. It is thought Puel would like to bring Pascal Plancque, who was an assistant at Southampton, with him to Leicester should he get the job.

Caretaker Michael Appleton will remain at the club as assistant manager for Puel 

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

Puel's work at Lyon, where he guided the team to a first Champions League semi-final and brought through young players, is being put forward to Leicester, as is his Ligue 1 success with Monaco in 2000.

Sporting director Jon Rudkin is leading the hunt for Leicester's third manager in eight months following the dismissals of Claudio Ranieri and Shakespeare. Owners Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha will ultimately make the decision.

Chris Coleman is interested in the role but has also held productive talks with the FAW over extending his Wales contract, while Sean Dyche is another name in contention, although the Everton job also appeals to the Burnley manager.

Leicester have admired David Wagner, but the German has indicated he wants to continue at Huddersfield, while Marco Silva would be tough to prise from Watford.

Manuel Pellegrini has also been spoken to but the Chilean has a lucrative contract at Hebei China Fortune. Ryan Giggs has declared his interest in the position.