Leicester City have reportedly opened talks with former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez over the managerial vacancy at the King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers left the club by mutual consent following Leicester's 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on April 1. The Foxes have gone onto lose against Aston Villa and Bournemouth since his departure, and are still on the look-out for a new manager.
Jesse Marsch was the frontrunner for the job, and even attended the defeat against Bournemouth as the former Leeds boss entered talks with the club. However, the American has since turned down the chance to replace Rodgers, and Leicester have quickly turned their attentions elsewhere.
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Fabrizio Romano has reported that the option of appointing Marsch is now off the table, and that negotiations are ongoing between Benitez and Leicester as they try to find an agreement with the Spaniard.
Benitez has enjoyed an impressive managerial career with the likes of Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Napoli.
He spent over three years at St James' Park - winning the Championship title in 2017, and guiding Newcastle to 10th place and 13th place finishes during his two full campaigns in the Premier League.
The 62-year-old has been out of work since he was relieved of his duties by Everton in January 2022.
Leicester have picked up just one-point from their last eight games in the Premier League, and sit in 19th place, and two points adrift of safety. The Athletic are also reporting that the Foxes are in 'advanced discussions' to appoint former Aston Villa and Norwich boss Dean Smith until the end of the campaign.
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