NafisaLEICESTER are pursuing a Championship manager who could still earn promotion to the Premier League, according to reports.
The relegated Foxes are anticipated to part ways with Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer, despite the Dutchman’s contract extending until 2027.
However, his record of only four victories in 24 matches as manager has rendered his position nearly unsustainable.
According to talkSPORT, his replacement is already being considered in the form of Bristol City manager Liam Manning.
Manning, 39, assumed control of the Robins in November 2023 and has delivered a remarkable first full season by guiding the club into the play-offs for the first time in 17 years.
They clinched the sixth and final spot ahead of Blackburn after rallying from a 2-0 deficit to draw on the last day of the season against Preston, while Rovers failed to defeat Sheffield United to close the points gap.
Bristol will now face the Blades in the play-offs, with the semi-final first leg occurring at Ashton Gate on May 8, followed by the return leg at Bramall Lane four days later.
On securing a play-off berth, Manning told BBC Radio Bristol: “I have no idea how I am feeling, to be honest. Exhausted, stressed, happy, over the moon, proud – what an afternoon…
“There’s no expectation or pressure on us so we have got to go and be brave and enjoy it. You see today the lads give everything for the shirt.”
A play-off victory would see Bristol City competing in the Premier League for the first time ever, and in England’s top tier for the first time since 1980.
Manning briefly stepped away from his role earlier this season following the heartbreaking loss of his newborn son, Theo, in October.
After the final day, Manning celebrated with his signature fist-bumps to the crowd, a gesture he shared with his son, Isaac.
Speaking to Bristol Live, he said: “Yeah, it was special. I had to force him to do it.
“He’d said about doing it during the week and then he bottled it a little bit, so there was a little bit of a nudge.
“It’s been a tough year personally for me, so it’s a special moment for me to be able to do that with my family at the end.”
Meanwhile, former Manchester United interim manager Van Nistelrooy is anxious to learn whether Leicester will choose to retain him or part ways.
The 48-year-old said: “(I am) still hoping to find out. The quicker the better, in the best interest of the club.
“We’re all hoping to find out soon. There’s 70 people working at the training ground who want to evaluate the season (and start) looking forward to the next.”
Leicester’s final three matches of their current Premier League campaign involve facing Champions League contenders Nottingham Forest, fellow relegated team Ipswich, and Bournemouth.
They will aim to return immediately to the top flight, as they did during their last stint in the second tier two seasons ago.
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