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    Kasper Schmeichel’s Nice future in doubt after less than 12 months with Leicester legend to be allowed to leave

    NICE will allow Kasper Schmeichel to leave the club this summer, according to reports.Schmeichel, 36, joined the Ligue 1 side in a shock transfer from Leicester last summer after an 11-year spell at the King Power.
    Nice will reportedly allow Kasper Schmeichel to leave this summerCredit: Getty
    He has kept 11 clean sheets in 34 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, helping the club to achieve the second-best defensive record in the division.
    But despite his efforts, Schemichel’s future at the Allianz Riviera is in doubt.
    According to French outlet L’Equipe, Nice will not stand in the way of the goalkeeper if he decides leave the club this summer.
    Several members of the squad are said to be growing annoyed by Schmeichel’s training methods.
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    His lack of leadership, along with his preference to manage himself, is causing tensions to rise.
    If Schmeichel does depart, reserve goalkeeper Marcin Bulka will likely step up to become the club’s No 1.
    Earlier this month, the Dane admitted that he would be open to a return to Leicester.
    During an appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he said: “I don’t think my chapter with Leicester will ever end.
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    “I still say we, the club will always be a part [of me].
    “I came to Leicester as a young man needing a home and needing somewhere to be accepted for who I was and not for what everyone else thought I should be.
    “Leicester gave me that, and even after 11 years there’s still something unwritten for me there.”
    Schmeichel joined Leicester from Manchester City in 2011 and played an integral role in some of the club’s most significant moments.
    He helped the Foxes earn promotion from the Championship in 2014 before contributing to the club’s incredible Premier League title win two years later.
    The goalkeeper also won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his spell at the King Power Stadium.
    But in his absence they are now facing relegation, with the Foxes 19th in the table with two games remaining. More

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    Man Utd, Newcastle and Spurs in James Maddison transfer race with £60m Leicester star ‘to leave even if they stay up’

    JAMES MADDISON is reportedly set to leave Leicester City even if they survive in the Premier League.The Foxes are currently 18th in the top-flight ahead of tonight’s crunch relegation showdown with Everton at the King Power Stadium.
    James Maddison will reportedly leave Leicester even if they stay upCredit: Getty
    Their 26-year-old talisman has endured a difficult campaign on the injury front, but he has still managed to fire in nine goals and provide seven assists.
    However, despite being the frontrunner to claim their player of the year prize, the Telegraph claims that his five-year spell at Leicester will come to an end this summer.
    The club desperately need to balance their books following a record £92.5m loss in their financial accounts and Maddison is their biggest saleable asset.
    Maddison is also about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, which means this is the last opportunity for Leicester to cash-in rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
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    And he has a host of teams chasing his services including Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle.
    The Magpies have been long-time admirers of Maddison and even lodged two bids worth £40million and £45m last summer.

    However, both offers were turned down and the player stayed put.
    Since then Maddison has gone on to enjoy a fine campaign with the struggling Foxes and earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.
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    Newcastle are set to make a renewed attempt to bring him to the North East and look certain to be able to offer the attacker the prospect of Champions League football.
    But so do United, and both are expected to table bids of between £45m and £60m for him.
    Managerless Tottenham also want the ace, and they are believed to be readying a move of their own to try and snatch him from their rivals.
    The former Coventry City and Norwich man was also recently likened to Man City’s £100m man Jack Grealish, who boss Dean Smith managed previously at Aston Villa.
    Smith said: “I think they are different types of players but they both know they’ve got ability and want to push themselves to become the best.
    “I think when you’ve got players that have that personality and character they push you as coaches and you want to go and help them become better players. James seems to have that as well.
    “He’s always looking to see what he can do better. He’s really engaging in the meetings we have and tactical meetings, and very vocal as well. I can see that similarity (with Grealish) of wanting to push himself.
    “I’m liking what I’m seeing in training so far and he’s not disappointed in the games either. All the players are really focused and James is certainly one of them.” More

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    ‘Can’t say what I want to say’ – Jamie Vardy makes cryptic comment to avoid ‘getting done’ on live TV

    JAMIE VARDY says he would “probably get done” if he shared his true thoughts on Leicester City’s season.The Foxes are in a relegation dogfight after a major struggle this term.
    Jamie Vardy rescued a point for Leicester City at LeedsCredit: Reuters
    That led to Brendan Rodgers losing his job earlier this month and Dean Smith coming in to replace him.
    Vardy, 36, ended his five-month goal drought last night as he fifth of the campaign earned Leicester a precious point with a 1-1 draw at rivals Leeds United.
    The ex-England star, who was largely left on the bench by Rodgers, came on as substitute in place of Patson Daka for the final 20 minutes at Elland Road to rescue his side.
    And speaking to BT Sport after ending his barren run, 2016 Premier League and 2021 FA Cup winner Vardy said: “I mean, I probably can’t say what I want to say, because I’d probably get done for saying it one TV, but it’s been a weird season for myself. 
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    “I’ve got it now, so hopefully in this little run until the end of the season, they can keep coming.”
    That was goal 135 in the Premier League for the veteran – and the man who set him up says he had no doubt that the veteran would finish it off.
    James Maddison said: “He’ll always score goals, no matter what age he is. He was born to score goals. 
    “After my touch, when I looked and saw him finishing off, I felt calm.”
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    Leicester now have five matches remaining and sit a point above the drop zone.
    And Maddison added that big characters like Vardy are needed to beat relegation.
    He said: “It’s our responsibility as big players to take that responsibility and produce for our club, our fans.” More

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    Leicester brutally snubbed by Jesse Marsch as ex-Leeds boss does not want to boss free-falling Foxes in the Championship

    JESSE MARSCH has reportedly snubbed the chance to take over Leicester City.The Foxes are looking to replace Brendan Rodgers after they sacked the Northern Irishman following the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace eight days ago.
    Jesse Marsch has reportedly snubbed the Leicester City jobCredit: AP
    On Friday, SunSport revealed Marsch had emerged as the shock favourite for the job.
    The American, 49, held positive talks with Leicester chiefs on Thursday.
    And the former Leeds United boss was expected to finalise terms on a contract to become their new manager.
    However, The Telegraph now states that he has “withdrawn from the recruitment process”.
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    This fresh update states that he watched Leicester lose their crunch relegation clash at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.
    And afterwards he made the decision “after a conversation with his coaching staff that night” before informing the Foxes on Sunday morning.
    The report claims that “Marsch is understood to feel that the club would need a different kind of manager in the Championship next season if they were to be relegated” from the top-flight.
    And he also allegedly added that the club needs “a different profile of player to the one that he is accustomed to recruiting” previously.
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    The loss to Bournemouth left Leicester with just one point from their last eight matches and two points from safety with the club sitting second bottom of the table.
    Marsch replaced Marcelo Bielsa in February 2022 at Leeds and saved the Elland Road side from the drop last term.

    However, a poor start to this season led to the ex-Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig head coach being axed in February.
    Meanwhile, Leicester will now “have to return to one of the others who met with the club over a series of preliminary interviews” last week as they continue to search for a new boss.
    Legendary former manager Martin O’Neill and Dean Smith, who was fired by Norwich earlier in the campaign, are both in consideration.
    And Rafa Benitez is another that is believed to be in the running. More

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    How Tottenham could line up under Brendan Rodgers as ex-Leicester boss becomes shock favourite to replace axed Conte

    BRENDAN RODGERS has emerged as the favourite to succeed Antonio Conte at Tottenham.The Northern Irish coach, 50, parted ways with Leicester on Sunday after four years at the King Power Stadium.
    Brendan Rodgers is the favourite to take over at TottenhamCredit: PA
    But he is already heavily linked with a return to the Premier League as Spurs search for someone to replace the departed Conte.
    Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter have all been mooted as potential options.
    But Rodgers is the frontrunner and could bring several Leicester players with him should he arrive in North London.
    Among them is midfielder Youri Tielemans, 25 – who is out of contract and expected to depart in the summer.
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    How Tottenham could line up under Brendan Rodgers
    Harvey Barnes, left, and James Maddison have been sensational at LeicesterCredit: Getty
    Harvey Barnes, 25, is another talented operator who could be looking for a move, particularly if Leicester fail to avoid relegation.
    The Foxes sit two points adrift of safety with ten games to play.
    And Spurs could be searching for more attacking options if Harry Kane departs in the summer.
    Tottenham’s record goalscorer is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
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    How Rodgers could set up Spurs without Harry Kane
    That could mean Spurs look for a different type of forward option in the form of No10 James Maddison, 26.
    Conte’s 3-4-3 formation meant there was no place for a playmaker behind Kane, but Rodgers reverting to a back four could create a spot for the England international.
    And Maddison is a player Spurs may try to sign whether Kane leaves or not as he can play on the right or off of the striker.
    Then, outside of the Leicester contingent, Brentford keeper David Raya is a name Spurs are reportedly monitoring.
    The Spaniard, 27, is a potential replacement for Hugo Lloris – who is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his deal.
    Youri Tielemans, left, was superb under Rodgers at the King Power StadiumCredit: Reuters More

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    Arsenal hold talks over Youri Tielemans transfer with Leicester star available on free when deal runs out in summer

    ARSENAL have held talks with Youri Tielemans’ representatives ahead of a possible summer transfer from Leicester, according to reports.The midfielder, 25, has long been on the Gunners’ radar.
    Youri Tielemans is set to leave Leicester this summerCredit: Getty
    And with his King Power contract set to expire at the end of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side are on red alert.
    According to TeamTalk, Arsenal have already spoken to Tielemans’ camp about a possible North London switch.
    But the Belgian’s wage demands could scupper a deal.
    It is claimed that Tielemans and Co are hoping for a contract that would put him among Arsenal’s top earners.
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    Newcastle and Liverpool are reportedly both also keen on signing the 58-cap Belgium star.
    But neither side would be eager to match his current wage demands.
    Unless his price goes down, Tielemans could leave the Prem this summer.
    In addition to Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool, he has received interest from Italy and Spain.
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    Tielemans memorably scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final for the Foxes.
    But his time at the King Power could come to a sorry end next month.
    The Foxes currently occupy 19th position in the table, having accrued just 25 points from 28 matches so far this term.
    Their dreadful form saw them part company with manager Brendan Rodgers on Sunday.
    Coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell have been placed in temporary charge.
    Brendan Rodgers was sacked on Sunday with Leicester in the relegation zoneCredit: Reuters More

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    Kris Boyd hilariously recreates Henry’s iconic reaction to Rodgers’ sacking with Carragher after news of Leicester axe

    RANGERS legend Kris Boyd recreated a memorable moment between Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry as he discovered Brendan Rodgers had left Leicester City.The Liverpool and Arsenal legends swept social media back in 2015 after Rodgers was sacked by the Merseyside club, while the pair were live on Sky Sports.
    Kris Boyd recreated some TV gold as he reacted to Brendan Rodgers’ sackingCredit: Sky Sports
    When presenter Ed Chamberlin announced the news of Rodgers’ departure to the viewers, Henry proceeded to put his hand on Carragher’s thigh.
    It was a clip which blew up the internet as people enjoyed the hilarious moment.
    And the pair celebrated seven years since the memorable clip by reconstructing it during CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League last year.
    Now, it was the turn of Boyd to act it out – while letting out a sarcastic gasp – as he worked as a pundit on Sky Sports during Celtic’s 2-0 win at Ross County earlier.
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    News broke that former Celtic manager Rodgers had left Premier League strugglers Leicester by mutual consent.
    The smirking Boyd quickly placed his hand on the knee of James McFadden, who quickly brushed off his co-pundit and said: “I’m fine, I’m fine.”
    Leicester were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace on Saturday and have decided to axe Rodgers in a bid to beat the drop after slipping into the relegation zone.
    Coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell will take charge on a caretaker basis.
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    A club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club has reached a mutual agreement with Brendan Rodgers that will see him leave the Club after four years as our Men’s First Team Manager.
    “Brendan departs King Power Stadium as one of the most successful managers in the Club’s history, having guided us to our long-awaited first FA Cup triumph in 2021, the FA Community Shield in the same year, two of the Club’s three highest Premier League finishes and consecutive European campaigns, including our first European semi-final in 2022.
    “Assistant Manager Chris Davies and First Team Fitness Coach Glen Driscoll will also be leaving with the Club’s thanks and best wishes for their future careers.
    “Immediate responsibility for Men’s First Team training and match preparation will be led by the Club’s long-serving First Team Coaches Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell.” More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Mudryk runs Leicester defenders ragged but Felix is hooked at half-time

    CHELSEA continued their revival as they recorded a third consecutive victory on Saturday.The Blues secured the three points with a 3-1 win at Leicester City.
    Graham Potter’s Chelsea continued their resurgence with a victory at LeicesterCredit: PA
    Ben Chilwell broke the deadlock against his old team before Patson Daka rifled home an equaliser.
    But Kai Havertz pounced seconds before the break and then Mateo Kovacic sealed the win after the restart.
    Here is how each member of Graham Potter’s team performed at the King Power:
    Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
    Rode his luck when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half effort smashed off his crossbar.
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    Might feel he left a little too much room for Patson Daka to beat him from 20 yards.
    But made up for it with important saves to deny Maddison and Iheanacho. 
    Wesley Fofana – 7
    The ex-Fox was booed every time he touched the ball but he actually seemed to relish his role as pantomime villain for the day.
    Denied a goal on his return to the King Power when Danny Ward touched over his powerful header from a Chilwell corner.
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    Kalidou Koulibaly – 8
    Solid at the back, lethal in attack!
    The big defender will dine out for a while for his part in Chelsea’s opener when he produced a neat stepover to leave Dewsbury-Hall for dead before crossing to provide the assist for Chilwell’s opener.
    Marc Cucarella – 7
    Unfortunate to pick up a booking when Dewsbury-Hall lost his footing and crashed into him.
    Stuck to his task against a mobile Foxes front three but remains a work-in-progress as a left-sided centre-back.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
    Revelled in the freedom to surge forward and attack down Chelsea’s right.
    Thought he had an assist when he accepted Mudryk’s ball out wide and picked out Felix to finish from close range until VAR spotted the forward had strayed offside.
    Enzo Fernandez – 7
    Showed the confidence and vision of a World Cup winner with his cheeky flip over the Leicester defence to spring the Foxes’ offside trap to set up Kai Havertz’s goal on the stroke of half-time.
    Not so happy when required to track James Maddison before Potter changed things at half-time.
    Mateo Kovacic – 8
    Topped off a productive performance in the Chelsea engine room with the volleyed finish which finally killed off Leicester.
    Used the ball well and held Chelsea together when Leicester threatened to expose the Blues defence before the break.
    Kai Havertz – 8
    Produced a sublime finish to flick a dropping ball over Danny Ward which gave Chelsea a crucial half-time lead. 
    Ended on a high when he produced the cross which led to Kovacevic’s clincher. 
    Left the King Power with a souvenir – Daniel Amartey’s stud marks on his abdomen after the defender caught him high following a tackle.
    Ben Chilwell – 8 
    The former Fox made a triumphant return to the King Power as he faced his former Leicester supporters.
    Opened the scoring with a superb left foot volley after starting the move with his own corner.
    His deliveries were a constant menace for his old club – how Brendan Rodgers could have used him here!
    Joao Felix – 7
    Had an eventful half before being hooked at half-time in a tactical shake-up.
    Was unfortunate to beat Ward with a cute flick, only to see the ball bounce to safety off the far post.
    Then had a ‘goal’ chalked off for offside. But he was culpable when caught in possession at Leicester’s equaliser to make it a frustrating day for the Portuguese forward. 
    Mykhailo Mudryk ran Leicester’s defenders raggedCredit: AFP
    Mykhailo Mudryk – 8
    Ran the Foxes defence ragged playing as a roving number 9.
    Leicester’s defence didn’t know whether to drop deep to pick him up when he went short.
    At other times his blistering pace left them for dead as he exploited any space behind.
    Thought he had set up a Chelsea goal only for Felix to stray offside.
    He suffered a similar fate when narrowly offside himself, after sprinting half the pitch to beat Ward. Had last laugh when his header set up Kovacic’s clincher.
    Substitutes
    Conor Gallagher (for Felix 46) – 7
    Turned the tide for his team when he was introduced. Suddenly James Maddison had less room to play in.
    Made an important goalline clearance to deny Souttar an equaliser and came close to scoring himself but Ward saved.
    Trevoh Chalobah (for Loftus-Cheek 73) – 6
    Kept Chelsea ticking over nicely.
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    Christian Pulisic (for Chilwell 73) – 6
    Produced some nice touches during his short time on the pitch.
    Carney Chukwuemeka (for Mudryk 82) – 6
    Wout Faes was red-carded for a late foul on the Chelsea sub who ran at him at pace before being downed.
    Benoit Badiashile (for Fofana 86) – NA More