Steve Cooper said the transfer is not negotiable to avoid relegation with Leicester

New Leicester boss Steve Cooper MUST enter the transfer market to avoid relegation.

That’s the advice from former Leicester striker Dion Dublin, who gave the thumbs up to the appointment of the former Nottingham Forest head coach. Cooper, 44, was confirmed as Leicester’s new manager last week after his spell at the City Ground.

The Welshman replaces Enzo Maresca at the helm following his move to Chelsea. He put pen to paper with a three-year-old business in the East Midlands.

Cooper has a tough task on his hands as he tries to keep Championship winners Leicester in the Premier League amid looming financial costs. But Dublin, who made 65 appearances for his boyhood club, believes Cooper could be the man to do it.

Speaking to Mirror Football, the former England striker said: “I like Coops (Cooper), I like, I like him. I think he is a good manager. I think he has a lot of energy. I think he has a lot of ideas.

“He had Forest playing some really good things, they really do. They were a good side to watch, Forest, and I think he will bring that to Leicester.

“It will bring energy. He will bring a good way of football to watch for the fans. I think it’s a good meeting for Leicester. I think it’s a positive move.”

Although Dublin have approved Cooper’s appointment, he still believes Leicester need to be smart in the transfer market to retain their top-flight status after promotion. He added: “Leicester are a Premier League outfit.

Is Steve Cooper a good fit for Leicester? Share your thoughts in the comments below

“A Premier League football club. Possibly not a Premier League team at the moment, but a Premier League football club.

“He will have to buy some players. I think they will be in the market for some very good players, Leicester and they will prepare very well.

“Will they stay awake? I do not know. I hope he stays awake because he deserves to be there. But they need some high-quality players.”

Leicester are yet to welcome any new faces to the club after their EFL transfer embargo was lifted. Premier League winner Jamie Vardy has penned a one-year deal, while defender Jannik Vestergaard has also been rewarded with a new three-year contract.

Leicester will begin their latest Premier League chapter against Tottenham on Monday, August 19. The Foxes have announced two pre-season friendlies before that – against Shrewsbury and French side Lens.

Join our new WhatsApp community and get your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read Privacy Notice.