OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could be ready to make a shock comeback to a Premier League dugout.
As exclusively revealed by SunSport, Leicester City have been in contact with the Norwegian about appointing him as their new boss.
Championship-winning gaffer Enzo Maresca left the King Power earlier this week to succeed Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.
And that has left the hierarchy at Leicester drawing up a shortlist of candidates to take over from the Italian.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, ex-West Ham boss David Moyes, free agent Graham Potter and former Nottingham Forest chief Steve Cooper are all in contention with the bookmakers.
But Solskjaer emerged as a surprise candidate – and SunSport understands the former Manchester United boss is keen to take over.
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The Foxes are likely to be hit with a points deduction and any transfers will need to be kept within a strict budget.
But how could Leicester line up if Solskjaer does take over?
GK: MADS HERMANSEN
The Danish goalkeeper was super-reliable for the Foxes in their title-winning campaign.
Comfortable with his feet and an excellent shot-stopper, he may get snapped up by a bigger club next summer.
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RB: AARON WAN-BISSAKA
Solskjaer signed Wan-Bissaka for United from Crystal Palace in 2019 and was his No1 right-back during his Old Trafford tenure.
Aged 26, the defender’s contract expires next year so a deal could get done – especially if Leicester cash in on Ricardo Pereira.
CB: WOUT FAES
The Belgian defender played most of the 2023-24 season.
Though he has a blunder in him and often a rush of blood to the head, the crazy-haired centre-back will likely be a key figure.
CB: JANNIK VESTERGAARD
The Danish giant was public enemy No1 around the KP a year ago but a year under Maresca changed everything.
He was rewarded with a shock new three-year deal to stay put at Leicester – although Solskjaer may prefer Conor Coady or rising young talent Ben Nelson.
LB: JAMES JUSTIN
The versatile defender broke into the England squad in 2022 and battled it out with loanee Callum Doyle at left-back last season.
He is a solid option – although his big salary could see him moved on to balance the wage bill out, with Brandon Williams now a free agent.
CM: JAMES MCATEE
Leicester have been long-term admirers of McAtee, who has been loaned out by Manchester City to Sheffield United twice.
SunSport revealed Leicester were battling Girona to land him this summer – although Maresca’s departure may make it tricky.
CM: JORDAN JAMES
The Foxes also like Birmingham City and ten-cap senior Wales star James a lot – as does Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
The 19-year-old was a rare shining light in a disappointing Blues season – and could be a replacement should Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and/or Harry Winks follow Maresca out the exit door.
RW: OMARI FORSON
Forson joined the United academy in January 2019, a month after Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho.
The attacker, 19, though, has struggled to break into the first team under Erik ten Hag, making his debut against Wigan in January, and is out of contract this month so could be available on a free transfer.
CAM: JESSE LINGARD
Lingard has been at Leicester before – a short five-match, two-month loan spell in 2012-13 – and is now with FC Seoul following a year at the Foxes’ rivals Forest.
He left United under a cloud and had a public spat with Solskjaer – citing “false promises” – but this could be a perfect chance to bury the hatchet and resurrect his Premier League career.
LW: STEPHY MAVIDIDI
Former Arsenal and Juventus winger Mavididi lit up the Championship in his first season at Leicester – racking up 13 goals and six assists.
Abdul Fatawu caused chaos on the right wing – seven goals and 13 assists – and Foxes fans will be desperate he joins permanently from Sporting following promotion.
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ST: JAMIE VARDY
The veteran striker was Leicester’s top scorer in the second tier, smashing in an impressive 18 goals.
And after putting pen to paper for another one-year deal, Premier League defenders will be terrified that a soon-to-be-38 Vardy will be running them ragged once again, especially after Kelechi Iheanacho’s release.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
