Deadline Day: Beckford Loan Deal Completed

Jermaine Beckford has sealed a loan deal at Huddersfield Town, Of Fosse and Foxes understands.

The Leicester City striker is set to re-join his former Leeds United manager, Simon Grayson, at the Galpharm Stadium for the remainder of the season. Beckford cut his cloth in West Yorkshire before a spell at Everton, before joining the Foxes on the summer transfer window deadline day last year.

The 28-year-old was the FA Cup top scorer last season - including a memorable hat-trick against Nottingham Forest - netting six times in five games. Beckford scored fifteen goals in 48 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes and featured in four of City's five matches so far this season.

Deadline Day: Speculation Surrounds Beckford

Grayson link: Beckford

Loanee: Cian Bolger

Amidst the flurry of activity on transfer deadline day it has been a quiet day at the King Power Stadium with just one deal being struck, Cian Bolger returning to Bristol Rovers on a six-month loan.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to surround the future of Jermaine Beckford, who was widely tipped to leave Leicester City this summer but has so far not made a move away from the East Midlands. Beckford is thought to be out of favour with Nigel Pearson following the signing of Jamie Vardy, with David Nugent seen as the new number nine's preferred strike partner.

Beckford's future could change in the last three hours of the transfer window, however, with numerous reports linking the City striker with Huddersfield Town. Former Foxes defender Simon Grayson, now in charge at the Terriers, has history with Beckford when he was manager at Leeds United.

Beckford is rumoured to be agreeing a loan deal with the West Yorkshire club, with a view to a permanent deal, whilst according to Of Fosse and Foxes sources, the player has handed-in a transfer request. Both remain unconfirmed.

Knockaert's English Dream Comes True

Summer signing Anthony Knockaert has spoken of his joy at being finally involved in football outside of France, praising the English game's pace. Having trialled for Leeds United as a youth player, Knockaert cut his cloth as a professional at En Avant de Guingamp and was subject to offers by Newcastle United and French Ligue 1 side Montpellier before signing with Leicester City.

"During pre-season against Sunderland, it was wonderful. I have never played a match with so much speed in my life. It was amazing," he said in an interview with French sports newspaper L'Equipe, "Around me there were a lot of people that told me it was a bad decision to sign at Leicester. But I know I couldn't leave the chance.

"Since I was a teenager I have always dreamt about England. My objective is to make a name for myself in the Premier League one day, because it is the only league in the world where I want to play in once in my life. What I love in England is the passion around Football."

Nigel Pearson sacked rumours not true

Nigel Pearson remains as Leicester City manager and will lead the Foxes against Blackpool on Saturday despite speculation that he was relieved of his position earlier tonight.

Amid rumours of a dressing room bust-up with Craig Shakespeare, assistant manager, social networking sites were earlier abuzz with news of Pearson's demise. However, sources close to the club insist that Pearson remains in charge and there are no issues within the City camp, whilst the hashtag #maduplcfcrumours has since started trending on Twitter.

Meanwhile, a bemused Neil Danns has taken to the social networking site to express his puzzlement at the rumours.

"Someone care to enlighten me on me having a bust up rumour," he tweeted, "First I've heard an [sic] I can assure you it's not true, night tweeps #dreamwell."

Sense of humour: City fans posted #madeuplcfcrumours on Twitter earlier

Updated at 23:36 to include a Tweet from Neil Danns.

Kennedy Departs Company with Leicester

Tom Kennedy has been released from his contract with Leicester City having reached a mutual agreement to terminate his deal at the King Power Stadium.

The 27-year-old full-back had begun to creep into the first team, with notable appearances for the Foxes last season, and with Nigel Pearson's squad thin in defence, the release of a fringe defender will not please the City faithful.

Nonetheless, Kennedy made just six appearances in over two years at Leicester, spending much of his time on loan, firstly at Rochdale and latterly at Peterborough. Both clubs are thought to be interested in securing the defender's signature.

Neither the club nor Kennedy have yet commented on the player's departure.

City duo hear England call as Tigers game moved

Two Leicester City players have been called-up by Stuart Pearce to represent England ahead of the under-21s final qualification fixtures ahead of the 2013 European Championships.

High flier: Ben Marshall has attracted the attention of Stuart Pearce

Call-up: Martyn Waghorn

Martyn Waghorn, capped three times to date, will join former City loanee Nathan Delfouneso in attack in the 23-man squad, whilst Ben Marshall - singled-out for praise by Pearce - has forced his way into an international squad for the first time and will face competition for a starting place with a fellow new call-up, Blackpool midfielder Tom Ince.

"The fact that we are only three League games into the domestic season makes selection difficult but within that time the likes of Thomas Ince and Ben Marshall have done extremely well to force their way into the squad," said Pearce, "We have put ourselves in a good position within the group, but we know full well that we are taking on an improving Azerbaijan side. I went to see them twice in the summer and they won away in Iceland and were only beaten by the odd goal in Norway, so that tells you how much they are improving. Of course, like us, Norway are playing to win the group or qualify as best runner up."

The Young Lions play in Baku on Thursday, 6th September and will host the Norwegians at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium on Monday, 10th September.

Meanwhile, a fixture clash with the Leicester Tigers has seen the Foxes' home game against Hull City put back by one day. City will now host Steve Bruce's men on Sunday, 23rd September at 3pm.

Embarrassing League Cup Conclusions from the Brewers

Leicester City	2-4	Burton Albion
	(HT 0-1)
Knockaert 60 Futacs 87		Palmer 20 Taylor 53 Weir (pen) 64 Maghoma 68

King Power Stadium, attendance: 8,560
BBC Match Report

Mostly empty: Burton defend a corner in front of a sparse crowd

Moore Opportunities for Young Leicester Defender

Wanted man: City defender Liam Moore

Liam Moore is attracting interest from Premier League clubs including Manchester United, according to this morning's Daily Mirror.

The Leicester City defender has stepped-up to the first team following injury to Sean St Ledger, having trained with the senior squad and made two appearances last season. His performances have impressed many and led the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Everton's David Moyes to keep an eye on the 19-year-old.

Moore made his league début in the Foxes' first Championship fixture against Peterborough and is one of a hatful of City players to have completed ninety minutes in all of Leicester's first four games of the 2012/13 campaign.

Both United and Everton sent their chief scouts to watch Moore in action at Ewood Park as Leicester went down to a 2-1 loss against Blackburn Rovers, and Ferguson is understood to be keen to swoop for the defender before the transfer window slams shut on Friday.

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is yet to comment on the speculation over Moore's future but has reacted quickly to quash pressure on the thrice-capped England under-17 international.

"When you consider how he finished last season, he had two appearances and we won both games," Pearson told the Leicester Mercury, "He has had an opportunity this season which possibly he wouldn't have thought would have been there. He has taken the opportunity positively."

Whilst Moore has impressed since graduating to the first team he remains a young, developing player and, whilst quietly impressed, Pearson is still reserved in his praise of the player.

"Of course, he is playing alongside the captain and a player with vast experience. They have complemented each other well," added Pearson, "It is important not to put too much pressure on him and say he has made it. He has taken his chance well. He is still a very young player with lots to learn, but he is in there on merit and, if he keeps playing the way he is, he will take some shifting out of the side as well."

Conclusions from Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers	2-1	Leicester City
	(HT 1-0)
Nuno Gomes 33 Pedersen 79		Vardy 55

Ewood Park, attendance: 13,935
BBC Match Report

Danns Bewildered at Being Benched

Happier times? Neil Danns earlier this term

Foxes midfielder Neil Danns is stunned at being left out of Nigel Pearson's starting elevens this season - and has taken to Twitter to air his thoughts.

"Must of [sic] done something to upset someone," the 29-year-old wrote on the social networking site this morning, "Don't no [sic] what is going on but thank you LCFC fans for the support".

The midfielder is yet to feature for Leicester this season, with Pearson favouring Matty James and Danny Drinkwater in midfield. Only Andy King has appeared as a substitute in the centre of midfield, leading some fans to raise questions about Danns' future. The former Crystal Palace man sought to clarify his point of view, stating that he is not leaving the club:

"Someone asked me wat I had dun wrong at the club and I just answered... doesn't mean I'm leaving, I was jus thanking fans for ther comments [sic]," said Danns, "Blown out of proportion [...] I'm happy here, simply answered a question, on that note how's everyone's day?"

Conclusions from the Valley

Charlton Athletic	2-1	Leicester City
	(HT 2-0)
Wright-Phillips 18 Kermorgant 32		King 53

The Valley, attendance: 16,658 (1,628)
BBC Match Report

Foxes join hunt for Webster signature

Webster: Linked with a move South

Heart of Midlothian centre half Andy Webster is being targeted by Leicester City as the Foxes bid to strengthen their defence.

Both East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Premier League Norwich City are also believed to be chasing the Scotland international and with no further progress on a proposed move for Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham today, the Foxes are believed to have joined the hunt for 30-year-old Webster.

Webster made a high-profile move to Wigan Athletic from Hearts in 2006, lending his name to the Webster ruling that allowed players to walk away from an outstanding contract after a fixed period in-line with new FIFA rules created that year.

His spell in Lancashire yielded just four appearances, however, and he moved back to Scotland for an unsuccessful two years at Rangers before rejoining Hearts last year. In total, he has notched-up 192 league appearances for the Maroons, scoring on ten occasions over his two spells at Tynecastle.

Rovers deal for defender Parkes

Academy product Tom Parkes is due to agree to a permanent deal with Bristol Rovers having failed to break into the Leicester City first team.

Parkes, 20, made a number of appearances in pre-season for the Foxes but has elected to return to Rovers, for whom he made 14 appearances on loan last term.

Despite injury to Sean St Ledger making City's back line in dire need of a supporting cast, Nigel Pearson has not elected to give Parkes a run in the first team. The defender spent almost the entirety of last season away from the King Power Stadium, following spells with Burton Albion and Yeovil Town with a six-month stay at the Memorial Stadium from January.

The move of Parkes perhaps paves the way for a new man to enter the club, with rumours of Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham making a move to the East Midlands resurfacing in the last twenty-four hours.

First League Game Conclusions from the Posh

Leicester City	2-0	Peterborough United
	(HT 0-0)
Morgan 51 King 74

King Power Stadium, attendance: 23,863 (1,868)
BBC Match Report

Leicester linked with move for Higginbotham

Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham is the latest man linked with Nigel Pearson's Leicester City, as the Foxes' boss looks to shore-up his defensive line.

City have signed Zak Whitbread, but he is yet to prove fully fit and, following the departure of central defensive duo Matt Mills and Sol Bamba during the summer, City lack cover at the back. With an injury that will see Sean St Ledger sidelined for the opening weeks of the new season, Pearson is keen to find extra legs to provide support to skipper Wes Morgan.

Higginbotham, out of favour with Potters' boss Tony Pulis, spent part of last season with the Foxes' East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and has been told that he is free to leave the Britannia Stadium this summer. Pearson is said to favour a loan move for the 33-year-old former Southampton and Derby County player.

City drawn against Brewers in cup

Following Leicester City's away win over Torquay United on Tuesday night, the Foxes have been drawn at home to Burton Albion for the second round of the Capital One Cup.

The fixture will take place during the week beginning Monday, 27th August with the tie likely to be played on the Tuesday or Wednesday evening of that week. It will offer another chance for Nigel Pearson's side to beat the Brewers, following a successful 1-3 friendly win at the Pirelli Stadium during the close season.

Opening Day League Cup Conclusions from Plainmoor

Torquay United	0-4	Leicester City
	(HT 0-2)
		Dyer 21 Marshall 36 James 50 Vardy 77

Plainmoor, attendance: 3,367 (1,166)
BBC Match Report

Academy products star as Foxes end pre-season on high

Injury? Vardy was taken-off as a precaution
after an impressive first half performance

Leicester City ended their pre-season on a high as they beat former manager Martin O'Neill's Premier League Sunderland by a single goal at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes had the better of a goalless first half, Richie de Laet and Ben Marshall going closest to scoring for the home side, whilst Kasper Schmeichel was called into action to deny Fraizer Campbell for the Black Cats.

Summer signing Jamie Vardy - who missed the goal by inches with a towering header - and January recruit Danny Drinkwater both looked sharp before the break but both players were replaced for the second half - Vardy forced-off through injury after 43 minutes - as Nigel Pearson opted to make seven changes to his starting eleven before the end of the match.

With the experienced heads of Andy King and Neil Danns joining the fray alongside new blood in Frenchman Anthony Knockaert, it seemed only a matter of time before the Foxes took the lead and it was a substitute who put City ahead. Defender Tom Parkes got his studs to a Marshall corner that was badly dealt with by a lacklustre Sunderland defence to scruffily give the home side the advantage.

The once again outstanding Knockaert aside, this was not a showcase of football like the Real Madrid friendly of twelve months ago. Unlike Sven Goran Eriksson's City side that contested with Jose Mourinho's galacticos, however, Pearson is building a dependable and reliable squad that looks sound across the pitch. Arguably, City's only weakness ironically remains in defence, with little cover in place following the injury to Sean St Ledger earlier in the summer.

Liam Moore: Growing into his first-team
professional role

This was the game where Leicester City's academy prospects grew-up, though. Liam Moore has become a colossal defender and as the season wear-on is likely to feature in that threadbare back four, whilst Parkes is still growing but has shown that he is more than capable of holding his own in the first team. Meanwhile, the star of Jeffrey Schlupp continues to burn brightly and, although more likely to feature on-loan than for the Foxes early in the season, he could have an important role as a makeshift utility player, as he did this afternoon.

This, then, was as positive as pre-season results come. Both teams were given a thorough workout and exposed the other's flaws, whilst from a Leicester City point of view the result will give a much-needed boost before the long trip to Torquay on Tuesday evening, as the Foxes kick-off their season in the League Cup first round.

Pre-season is now finished, the jigsaw is fitting together, and the 2012/13 football season has nearly arrived. And things are looking up for City.

City youth to benefit from new league

Young Foxes stars of the future will be able to test themselves against the best of their age group from across the country when they participate in a new under-21s league this season.

As part of the Elite Player Performance Plan, introduced by the Premier League newly for the 2012/13 campaign, Leicester City's youth squad have been entered into in the Northern section of Category Two to face sides from Barnsley, Birmingham City, Coventry City, Crewe Alexandra, Derby County, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic.

Along with a similar Southern section of Category Two, a 23-team Category One section has also been created with seventeen Premier League and six Championship clubs represented.

2012/13 Season Preview

This article first appeared on The Football League 72 on Friday, 3rd August 2012.

Nigel Pearson’s Leicester City are a very different beast to that of twelve months ago, largely thanks to a turbulent 2011/12 season that saw a huge player turnover and our eleventh manager change in a decade.

Thanks to Pearson’s grounded nature, however, this summer has been very different to last year’s, with Sven Goran Eriksson’s high-spending approach to management forgotten in favour of a more measured style. One gets the impression that Pearson is trying to build a team that plays as a unit, rather than a bunch of superstar individuals and the signings of young Manchester United duo Matty James and Richie de Laet support that view.

In these players, along with the recent acquisition of Zak Whitbread, Pearson has begun to build a solid base. Gone are the risky Sol Bamba and the unimpressive Matt Mills alongside a raft of released fringe players, with Whitbread providing cover at the back alongside Ireland’s Euro 2012 star defender Sean St Ledger and new skipper Wes Morgan.

Of most excitement, however, are the changes up front. Signing the impressive young target man Marko Futacs on a free from Portsmouth is a conservative move that could well pay-off. Meanwhile, Pearson has taken a risk in opting to break a non-league transfer record to bring Fleetwood Town’s Jamie Vardy to the King Power Stadium. If Vardy can transfer his goal scoring ability from the Conference to the Championship – and the signs from pre-season are that he is looking very sharp – City could have a real gem on their hands. Partnering David Nugent, who started his Leicester career solidly last term, Leicester City could really prove a threat in attack and, for once, live up to their pre-season hype.

Foxes second in agents' fees table

Leicester City were second only to West Ham United in their spending on fees for footballing agents in the 2011/12 season, the Football League has announced.

Overall, the total sum paid by all member clubs to agents rose by £5 million to £21.7 million over the previous year, with the Foxes responsible for £1,812,371, a fee second only to the Hammers' £4,314,270. Whilst the London club were promoted having spent big on players such as Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te, City made 15 signings over the course of the season to accumulate their total. Only two other Championship clubs joined the Foxes and the Hammers in surpassing £1 million.

"While £21 million is a lot of money leaving the game, it should also be noted that a considerable amount of this total has been spent by a small number of clubs," said Greg Clarke, chairman of the Football League, "In fact, almost a fifth of the overall figure was spent by one club alone."

Indeed, there were four clubs who spent nothing on agents' fees: Hartlepool in League One; and Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and Crewe Alexandra in League Two. Agents' fees are paid to footballing agents acting for a player in order to complete a transfer between clubs, and typically account for a percentage of the fee paid for a player.

"Where such spending forms part of a sustainable business plan it shouldn't be of great concern and supporters should be encouraged to see our clubs committing themselves to the new Financial Fair Play regulations that will take effect across all three divisions in the new season," added Clarke, "In time, these rules will require clubs to be more circumspect with regard to their spending and may help reduce the costs incurred in this area."

Foxes unveil away and third kits

Leicester City have, as expected, released their away kit for the 2012/13 season.

Smart: Paul Gallagher and Neil Danns model the new third kit whilst Wes
Morgan dons the all-black away colours

The all-black kit, modelled by defender Wes Morgan, was first seen in leaked photographs last night but has officially been released this morning. Featuring gold trim, it is on sale now from the club's megastore at the King Power Stadium

Also released are Leicester City's third colours. An all-white third strip featuring navy blue detailing completes the line-up and will go on sale to supporters in early September.

Leicester City away kit leaked

Black: Is this Leicester City's new away kit?

As with City's home kit for the 2012/13 season, Leicester City's attire for their travels has also been leaked online just hours before it goes on sale.

What is believed to be the new kit was shown for the first time on Twitter and features a black shirt partnered with black shorts, both finished in a metallic gold trim to match the template used in the recently released home strip.

The kit is released officially tomorrow and goes on-sale at the club shop in the south-east corner of the King Power Stadium tomorrow morning. It is not yet known if or when the Foxes will release details of a third kit, although a release has been rumoured for October.

Foxes will miss-out on Koren deal

Robert Koren is poised to sign a new deal at the KC Stadium and snub a move to Leicester City, Of Fosse and Foxes understands.

The 31-year-old winger has been widely linked with a potential move to the King Power Stadium since former Hull City boss Nigel Pearson rejoined Leicester last season, but Koren is set to secure a new deal with the Tigers and turn-down the prospect of joining his former boss with the Foxes.

Tigers' manager Steve Bruce said at the start of the month that he will not be held to ransom by Leicester over the player but the Foxes are understood to have activated a £500,000 release clause in Koren's contract, allowing him the freedom to choose which club he signs a contract with. The talented winger has featured in pre-season for Hull and, having been impressed with Bruce's efforts to retain his services on Humberside, it seems Leicester City are set to miss-out on their main transfer target of the summer.

City land Knockaert blow to Boro

New signing Anthony Knockaert made a dazzling debut for Leicester City as he set-up two goals to gift the Foxes a 1-3 victory away to Nuneaton Town last night.

City opened the scoring in the second half as the Frenchman fed a neat pass to Jermaine Beckford who slotted home past the home sides's keeper. It was Knockaert who created the Foxes' second, too, his neat work on the wing leading to a pinpoint cross that found Marko Futacs. The big man's bumbled shot fell to Beckford who, stepping over the ball, cheekily back-heeled to double City's lead.

Boro snatched a goal back within ninety seconds of conceding after the defensive frailties of City's growing back four of Alie Sesay, Cian Bolger, Tom Parkes and Tom Kennedy were exposed by Tom James who fired the ball beyond Conrad Logan in the Leicester net. Indeed, Boro could have drawn level but for hitting the post, whilst a fine double save from Logan denied the home side seconds later. The Foxes secured victory in fading light with ten minutes left, however, when Futacs stole the ball off the foot of Danny Drinkwater to slot home.

The game could have panned-out very differently after an uninspiring first half performance from a mixed-up City XI, Nuneaton able to press against that young Foxes' defence and apply pressure on Logan, who saved three times in the first forty-five to keep the home side's attacks at bay. Not that City were impotent up front - Beckford's pace, coupled with the presence of Futacs, caused problems for the Conference Premier side's defence and the combination of Knockaert, Drinkwater and Neil Danns in midfield steadied the ship.

Despite Beckford's two goals, it was Knockaert who stole the show, offering finesse to an otherwise workmanlike display and presenting a headache to Nigel Pearson, as he looks to assemble his first XI ahead of the start of the competitive season against Torquay United in the League Cup next week.

City lose-out in chase for Gerrard

Gerrard: Moving to Huddersfield

A bid from Leicester City for Cardiff City defender Anthony Gerrard has been rejected, the Bluebirds' manager Malky McKay has confirmed, and the Foxes have now lost their chance to sign the highly-valued 26-year-old.

With Sean St Ledger out for the start of the season with a knee injury, Nigel Pearson has stepped-up his search for a centre back. Despite having secured the signature of Zak Whitbread last month, the American has yet to feature in a pre-season fixture for City and Pearson is keen to add depth to his defensive roster, with Gerrard his primary candidate.

"Bristol City and Leicester City have made offers, but they don't match our valuation and have been turned down," said McKay yesterday, who rejected two £200,000 offers for the player. Cardiff have now agreed a fee of £350,000 for the brother of England international Steven with Huddersfield Town and the player is expected to make his Terriers' debut next Friday at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Young Foxes XI seen-off by Dynamo

A youthful Leicester City side was beaten yesterday when they travelled to Loughborough Dynamo in this season's Westerby Cup Winners' Cup match.

Of the City squad which travelled to Nanpantan Sports Ground, only Adam Smith, George Taft and Tom Hopper have made it into a first team selection but, despite their inexperience, only a penalty from the Moes' Matt Langham separated the sides at full time.

The young Foxes could have been level despite that first-half setback, however, and skipper Taft put the ball in the back of the net with a towering header before half time after a terrific corner from academy prospect Michael Cain. Taft's efforts were in vain though, Cain's inswinging delivery adjudged to have curled out of play en-route to the penalty area.

The match was not all bad news, however, with the Foxes performing brightly in front of manager Nigel Pearson and the momentum swinging in their favour in the build-up to Taft's disallowed header.

Pearson will be hoping for a result this evening, however, with a strong squad travelling south of the county border to take on Nuneaton Town (KO 19:30). Jermaine Beckford, Martyn Waghorn and Marko Futacs are expected to feature at Liberty Way, alongside young professionals Cian Bolger, Tom Parkes and Harry Panayiotou who did not play in Loughborough. Tickets for tonight's fixture start at £8 for adults, with a further £2 supplement for seating. Children's tickets are just £2 and concessions £5 and Leicester City have suggested that travelling supporters park on the Attenborough Fields industrial estate.

Foxes thrash Imps in rearranged closed-door friendly

Despite the late cancellation by Lincoln City of Leicester City's pre-season visit to Sincil Bank, both clubs were able to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly at the King Power Stadium last night.

City's assistant manager Craig Shakespeare took charge of a strong Foxes XI who made easy work in defeating the Imps, with the strike partnership of David Nugent and Jamie Vardy developing nicely as those players bagged a goal apiece.

Also on target was midfielder Andy King, who will hope to net more frequently next term, and Lloyd Dyer who scored twice as Leicester went on to record a 5-0 victory. It was all good news for Shakespeare, who was glad that the game was able to ahead.

"All the work we'd done during the week had been building up to the game on Saturday. We'd been planning towards who would need a full 90 minutes, who would need 75 and integrating players like Ben Marshall back into the fold as he's been missing with illness.

"As much as we'd liked to have played in front of the fans, it was important we didn't disrupt the players' preparations, so we were extremely grateful to Dave Holdsworth and his staff for bringing a team to King Power Stadium at such short notice," Shakespeare told LCFC.com, "Had the game not gone ahead, it would have impacted on training in the early part of next week and possibly the Westerby Cup and Nuneaton games."

A young City side will travel to Loughborough Dynamo for that cup match, with some experienced faces likely to be-on show at Liberty Way on Tuesday night. The Foxes' pre-season reaches a crescendo with the visit of Martin O'Neill's Sunderland next weekend. City kick-off the 2012/13 season away to Torquay United in the League Cup on Tuesday, 14th August.

Lee Peltier leaves Leicester for Leeds

Defender Lee Peltier has agreed terms with Leeds United and will join the Yorkshire club from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old leaves the Foxes after a year, having been an almost-present fixture in Sven Goran Eriksson and Nigel Pearson's sides. Peltier joined City from Huddersfield Town and leaves after scoring once in 47 appearances in the East Midlands.

Peltier had been widely linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium in the early part of the close season and this deal with Leeds will fuel speculation over the future of Jermaine Beckford at Leicester. Both players had been rumoured to be looking towards a move to Elland Road.

Pre-season hit as St Ledger injury confirmed

Leicester City have been hit with a double-blow as they gear-up for the 2012/13 nPower Championship campaign.

Sean St Ledger, substituted early-on in this week's friendly fixture at Burton Albion, will be out for up to two months after sustaining a medial ligament strain at the Pirelli Stadium. The match was the Republic of Ireland international's first for the Foxes in this summer's schedule of pre-season games, following his stint in Poland and Ukraine with the Boys in Green.

Meanwhile, Lincoln City have cancelled their pre-season friendly with Leicester on advice from Lincolnshire Constabulary. A spokesman for the force said that he had recieved worrying information regarding the game.

"We understand that fans will be disappointed about the cancellation of this match but it is a friendly fixture rather than a league game and our primary concern is the safety and welfare of the general public," said chief inspector Kieran English, "We have carefully assessed the plans and preparations we have in place for such events and have concluded, with regret, that the risk to the public is just too great. We are very grateful to Lincoln City Football Club for agreeing to cancel this fixture on the grounds of safety of their fans and the public of Lincoln."

Leicester bounce back to beat Brewers

Nigel Pearson's Foxes recovered from their embarrassing defeat to Shrewsbury Town with an away win in their third pre-season friendly at Burton Albion.

Jeffrey Schlupp put Leicester City ahead in a dominant first half for the Foxes, but their hard work was undone when Liam Moore's clumsy tackle handed the Brewers a penalty just after half time.

Having equalised from that spot-kick, Burton were resurgent after the break and former City academic Adi Yussuf came close for the home side. However, Leicester hung-on to regain their lead through Lloyd Dyer's headed goal before Neil Danns put the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes, winning the game 1-3 for the Foxes.

This was a solid run-out for Pearson's men, with the emerging Moore beginning to establish himself on the first team, despite that foul that led to Burton's goal. It gave the City manager a chance to see a number of players complete ninety minutes for the first time, with the only downside coming within ten minutes of the game when returning centre half Sean St Ledger left the field injured.

Pearson passed comment after the game on his latest new recruit. Anthony Knockeart is set to finalise his move to the King Power Stadium tomorrow and the Leicester boss is excited to have the young Frenchman on the books.

"He brings excitement," said Pearson, "We've been looking at him for some time and he is sure to play a major part for us this season."

Foxes sign French winger Knockaert

Winger: Anthony Knockaert in EAG colours

Leicester City's move for 20-year-old French winger Anthony Knockaert has been confirmed by the club.

Knockaert played 59 games for Ligue 2 outfit En Avant de Guingamp since graduating from the academy of amateur side US Lesquin in 2009. A French under-20 international of ten caps - scoring four times for his country - Knockaert has netted 13 goals for the side from Bretagne.

Newcastle United and French title chasers Montpellier HSC had also been linked with Knockaert, who plies his trade as a left-footed winger or striker. City have beaten both the Magpies and La Paillade to the player's signature, with earlier reports in the French press supported by a leaked image of Knockaert being greeted at the King Power Stadium by Leicester City's chief scout, Steve Walsh (below) and a brief statement on EA Guingamp's club website.

Now, the Foxes' official website has published a statement revealing that Knockaert has signed a three-year deal at the King Power Stadium, with his Football League registration due for completion within the next twenty-four hours.

Leaked: Image showing Anthony Knockaert at the King Power Stadium