(FILES) Wolverhampton Wanderers' then Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui claps the fans ahead of the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England, on November 12, 2022. West Ham announced the appointment of former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui as their new manager on May 23, 2024. The Spaniard, who officially begins work on July 1, said he was "very happy to be able to be part of the future of this big club". (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Exclusive: Ruud van Nistelrooy sack news emerges from Leicester City
Leicester City are not currently planning a managerial change as sack pressure grows for current boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, sources have told Football Insider.
The 48-year-old replaced Steve Cooper in December but has struggled to stave off the threat of relegation, with form going downhill in recent weeks.
Cooper was sacked in late November with Leicester 16th in the table but Van Nistelrooy’s side are now 19th and five points from safety.
The Dutchman was not happy to have his hands tied in the January window as Leicester brought in just one new face – Woyo Coulibaly – despite needing more sweeping reinforcements.
Leicester not yet planning change in the dugout
Van Nistelrooy’s side now face Chelsea, Man United and Man City in their next three fixtures as the end of the 2024-25 campaign draws closer.
It is believed Leicester will not make a knee-jerk reaction to poor results – but could weigh up a move for a replacement if they are cut further adrift.
The Foxes were promoted to the Premier League last season after winning the Championship under Enzo Maresca – who subsequently left for Chelsea.
All three promoted sides are in the bottom three as things stand – with Wolves five points clear of the drop zone with 11 games remaining.
Leciester well placed to return to Premier League
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has told Football Insider (31 January) that Leicester City’s Thai owners have ensured the club are well placed to return to the Premier League even if relegated.
Owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has recently converted £124million of loans into shares, putting the club back on stable footing.
The Srivaddhanaprabha families’ overall investment in the club has now reached more than £420million since their takeover in 2010.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ stance on West Ham move revealed
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is keen to remain a Premier League player next season amid interest from West Ham and Crystal Palace, sources have told Football Insider.
The 23-year-old has been at the heart of Southampton’s defence this season with the Saints already doomed to relegation from the top flight this term.
Harwood-Bellis has been one of the club’s top performers, however, and could remain a Premier League player beyond the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
He broke into the England squad under interim boss Lee Carsley and scored in the 5-0 demolition of the Republic of Ireland last year (2024) – his Three Lions debut.
Harwood-Bellis wants to stay in Premier League
The defender has recently changed agent and is attracting interest from West Ham and Crystal Palace months in advance of the summer window opening.
Harwood-Bellis only joined Southampton permanently last summer (2024) following their promotion from the Championship – with the defender spending last season on loan with the Saints in the second tier.
He has made 28 appearances across all competitions this term, starting in 26 of those outings – with most of his action coming as part of a three-man defence.
The Man City academy product has scored three club goals this season in addition to his memorable England header.
