Leeds United are preparing to hold talks with Claudio Ranieri about him taking over as their new manager, according to an ESPN FC report.
The football website claims the Italian, 65, is a “leading contender” to take the reins at Elland Road following Garry Monk’s shock resignation on Thursday.
ESPN report that new United owner Andrea Radrizzani is keen to recruit an experienced, high-profile manager who is capable of leading the club back to the Premier League.
It is said that Radrizzani will consider a number of candidates but is “hopeful” of speaking Ranieri about the possibility of him taking over at one of English football’s best-supported clubs.
Ranieri has an impressive track record that culminated in his career high point of steering Leicester to their extraordinary Premier League success last season.
He has won four league titles during his 29-year managerial career, including Serie C at Cagliari, Serie B at Fiorentina and Ligue 2 at Monaco.
Ranieri, who has also managed giants Chelsea and Inter Milan, is available after being sacked by Leicester in February of this year.
Aitor Karanka is one of the other frontrunners for the role, and Sky Bet have placed him as 8/11 favourites to become the next Leeds boss.
The Yorkshire giants announced Monk’s resignation on their official website on Thursday afternoon after he turned down the club’s offer of a 12-month contract.
Under Monk’s leadership, Leeds finished seventh in the recently-completed Championship campaign after a final-month collapse meant they missed the play-offs by five points.