Leicester eye shock swoop for Guadalajara boss Matias Almeyda to take over from Craig Shakespeare
Foxes are closing in on appointing former Southampton chief Claude Puel as their new manager... but reports claim ex-Argentinian star has emerged as a front runner
ARGENTINA legend Matias Almeyda has reportedly emerged as a surprise contender for the Leicester City job.
The Foxes are on the hunt for a new boss after they sacked Craig Shakespeare last week.
SunSport reported earlier that ex-Southampton chief Claude Puel is set to be appointed as their new manager.
However, the Mirror are claiming that King Power officials want to bring in Almeyda from Mexican side Guadalajara.
The 43-year-old, who lined-up against England at the 1998 World Cup, has no experience of coaching in Europe despite spending most of his playing career here.
He moved from South America to sign for Sevilla in 1996 before he departed for Italy a year later.
Almeyda spent seven seasons in Serie A and enjoyed stints with Lazio, Parma, Inter Milan and Brescia.
Since hanging up his boots he managed River Plate and Banfield in his homeland before going to Mexico in 2015.
OH MY CLAUDE Leicester to name Claude Puel as new manager after former Southampton boss holds talks with Foxes chiefs to replace Craig Shakespeare
The name of the former defensive midfielder, who won 35 caps for his country, will certainly raise eyebrows amongst the Leicester faithful.
A number of big names from Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs to ex-City Premier League-winning boss Manuel Pellegrini have been linked with the post.
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Michael Appleton, who took over as caretaker, has guided the Foxes to two victories over the past week with the latest coming against Leeds in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
But his hopes of landing the gig appear to be over after Puel met club officials to discuss the role yesterday.
And he is thrashing out a deal today before he is expected to be formally announced as the new manager within the next 48 hours.
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