Leicester City were “in talks” with Steve Cooper to become their next manager and seal a return to the Premier League

Leicester City are believed to have spoken to former Nottingham Forest man Steve Cooper regarding the club’s managerial vacancy.

City’s bid to replace Enzo Maresca – who was confirmed to have moved to Chelsea on Monday – has intensified with a number of names appearing in the media over the past few days. Cooper is one such example.

The former Nottingham Forest boss has been out of work since being sacked from his role at the City Ground last December, but it seems he plans to take time out of the game as he hopes to make a swift return to the Premier League. Now, according to The Sun, talks have officially taken place between his representatives and Leicester chiefs.

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They state that it is not known if Cooper would accept the role of an East Midlands rival or if he is the Foxes’ natural choice. West Bromwich Albion’s Carlos Corberan is also said to be keen, with a similar report of talks taking place with the Spaniard emerging two days ago.

Cooper – the newly installed bookmakers’ favorite – will therefore have to decide eventually whether he is willing to cross that threshold in the East Midlands. It was said earlier in the week that he would be willing to do so in order to return to Premier League management – a factor which led to his alleged rejection of a bid from Burnley.

In his last job, the 44-year-old took Forest from the bottom of the Championship to play-off glory at Wembley Stadium in a matter of months. On the club’s return to the Premier League, he then sailed them safely into the 2022/23 campaign.

Last season he parted company with Forest as the club finished 17th near the intermediate stage and ultimately his successor Nuno Espirito Santo managed to keep them in the division despite a points deduction.

Cooper could be asked to emulate the Portuguese manager at the King Power Stadium if he is handed the Leicester job as financial uncertainty and the threat of punishment loom over the club amid their return to the top flight.

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