Manuel Pellegrini tops list of candidates to become new Leicester manager

MANUEL PELLEGRINI tops the list of candidates to be Leicester’s new boss.

The Foxes want to tempt the former Manchester City chief away from Hebei China Fortune.

Pellegrini — who won the Premier League with City in 2014 — has the managerial calibre Leicester want after sacking Craig Shakespeare last week.

The Chilean, 64, will want big money but the club’s Thai owners are wealthy and keen to make a statement.

Foxes have also been linked with Burnley’s Sean Dyche, Marco Silva of Watford and the Huddersfield head coach David Wagner.

But Wagner and Silva are loyal to their teams and it is thought Dyche would only be tempted by a move to a bigger club such as Everton.

Michael Appleton made a successful start as Leicester caretaker after a Federico Fernandez own goal and Shinji Okazaki strike gave them a first top-flight victory since August 19.

Ex-Oxford United boss Appleton, who stepped up from No 2 following Shakespeare’s dismissal, said: “From a personal point of view, the win feels fantastic. It is slightly different when you are in charge.

“I have been a manager and I know the highs and lows.

“They are a lot bigger in the Premier League than where I have been in League One and the Championship.

“And one game doesn’t make you a Premier League manager. I am very aware of that.”

Alfie Mawson replied for Swansea but boss Paul Clement said: “The performance in the first half was what let us down. I’m disappointed to have gone backwards.”