Brendan Rodgers Set To Join Leicester City

CHISANGA MALATA

Brendan Rodgers is on the brink of leaving Celtic to take charge of Leicester City

Leicester are currently managerless following the dismissal of Claude Puel, who was given his marching orders on Sunday after the Foxes’ 4-1 loss to Crystal Palace.

It’s understood the Midlands club have placed Rodgers’ high on their list of candidates to replace Puel, who suffered to four defeats in his last five games in charge of Leicester. And the 2015-16 Premier League champions are on course to land their man.

It’s understood Rodgers is on the ‘brink’ of leaving Celtic after nearly three years in charge of the club.

Leicester believe a deal for the Hoops chief can be completed in the coming hours and are hopeful of having him in charge for Sunday’s trip to Watford.

In order to get their hands on the Northern Irishman, the club are willing to pay Celtic £6million in compensation.

Celtic have given Rodgers permission to speak to Leicester about a possible return to the Premier League, which seemingly indicates they’re ready to part ways with their manager.

“Celtic Football Club today confirmed that it has been approached by Leicester City FC to speak to Brendan Rodgers with regards to their current managerial vacancy,” a club statement read.

“Brendan has indicated to the Club that this is an opportunity he wishes to investigate further and therefore, very reluctantly, the Club has granted him permission to speak to Leicester City.”

The former Swansea City boss is currently in the Midlands and is set to begin negotiations over a deal with the Foxes brass.

Should Rodgers – who managed Liverpool from June 2012 until October 2015 – leave the east end of Glasgow, former Celtic chief Neil Lennon could replace him at the Parkhead helm.

Lennon managed the Scottish champions from June 2010 until May 2014, winning 11 trophies with the club.

One man who doesn’t foresee Rodgers abandoning Celtic for Leicester is former Hoops hitman John Harrison, who reckons the 46-year-old is more than happy at the club.

“I can see why they would want him and why he is still very attractive to clubs in England,” the Welshman said “But I am stubborn and I am going to hold true to what I genuinely believe here – I don’t think Brendan Rodgers is going anywhere.

“I’ll stress that is an opinion and nothing more. I have not asked him. I have not spoken to him or anyone close to him.

“But what I will say is that in any dealings I have had with Brendan in recent years he has always stressed just how happy he is in his work at Glasgow. He loves the club.

“He is settled in a nice area just outside the city and he has always spoken of just how much he has enjoyed his life in Glasgow.

“I see the attraction of Leicester. They are very wealthy. They play in one of the top leagues in the world and there would be money to spend.

“But I would still argue that in terms of clubs, Leicester are nowhere near Celtic. And I say that with the greatest respect.

“And I know I have said it before, but for me it is vital for Brendan to leave a legacy at Celtic.”

Former Rangers ace Neil McCann shares the same view as Hartson, recently saying: “I honestly don’t think he will go.

“I’ll be amazed if he goes this season. I think he’ll believe that he has business to take care of. He wants to get another trophy in the bag, and the treble Treble. I just don’t see him going just now.

“I don’t think there is a need for him to jump, there are other clubs as well that may come up in the summer.

“Brendan Rodgers is a very attractive option to Premier League boards and clubs because of what he did in Liverpool. What he is doing in Europe about not changing shape and playing expansive football, he is showcasing his skills in how good he can be in playing a type of football.