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

City youth draw to York as pre-season continues

A Leicester City development squad featuring six senior professionals were unable to see-off a strong York City side in this afternoon's behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly.

Full back Tom Kennedy and goalkeeper Conrad Logan both completed a full ninety minutes, whilst Andy King, Marko Futacs and Matty James all featured alongside the recovering Jermaine Beckford.

Jacob Blythe, the latest addition to the Foxes youth side, was on target to level for the Foxes in the first half but York took a 1-2 lead into the break. Solid work by Kennedy allowed Beckford to glance home a late equaliser and the game finished all square at 2-2.

This game will act as a solid warm-up to tomorrow evening's away friendly at Burton Albion, with Beckford expected to feature in the first team squad for the first time this summer. Also anticipated to make a return to the Foxes' squad at the Pirelli Stadium is Euro 2012 star Sean St Ledger.

Despite strong pre-sales for tomorrow's friendly, the Brewers have agreed to allow City fans to purchase tickets on the gate for the match, which kicks-off at 7:45pm. Adult tickets start from £8 on the terraces.

City have also added to their pre-season schedule, with the announcement of a further friendly against Nuneaton Borough. A Foxes XI will visit Liberty Way for a 7:30pm kick-off next Tuesday, 7th August.

2011/12 Analysed: Player-by-Player - Part Two (Belated)

The 2010/11 season's disappointment yielded a bright future when Leicester City spent a record breaking £10-15 million on players over the summer. With those big names failing to deliver on their promise of Premier League promotion, many have come under criticism with the future of many now hanging in the balance. As we move on to look ahead to a bright new season, here is Part Two (Part One is here) of our examination of the performance of each and every player to feature in the first team squad over the 2011/12 nPower Championship campaign.

Beckford expected to depart Leicester

On the move: Jermaine Beckford in training

Leicester City striker Jermaine Beckford is expected to leave the club before the end of August, with sources close to the Foxes' camp indicating that the player has now been told that he is free to find another club.

With Beckford's career at the King Power Stadium making a faltering start - despite claiming the golden boot in last season's FA Cup he failed to excel in the league - there have been many vocal critics of the 28-year-old forward and it seems that Nigel Pearson may have lost patience with Sven Goran Eriksson's £4 million signing.

As reported here at the start of the close-season, Leeds United are most likely to capture their former front man, who scored on 72 occasions for the Elland Road side. Beckford accrued just nine league goals for Leicester in his 39 appearances and, despite a hat-trick in the FA Cup against rivals Nottingham Forest, has failed to find favour with the famously fickle Foxes' fans.

With Jamie Vardy and Marko Futacs both joining City this summer, adding to a bloated forward roster including David Nugent, Martyn Waghorn and Jeffrey Schlupp, it seems that Beckford's first team opportunities may be limited at Leicester in the short term anyway and a move by Pearson to offload a forward in order to strengthen other areas of the squad would not be beyond belief.

Foxes lose to Shrews but launch new keeper kit

Green: The new keeper kit

Black: Kasper Schmeichel

Leicester City launched their new goalkeepers' home and away strips yesterday and have announced that the club's 2012/13 away and third kits will go on sale on Saturday, 10th August.

The two goalkeeper kits - all-black at home and all-green away, with white and grey trim on both - are on sale from the club shop now and were worn by Kasper Schmeichel as he made his first pre-season friendly appearance as City went down as 2-0 losers to Shrewsbury Town yesterday afternoon.

Following what was a poor performance, Nigel Pearson admitted there is still work to do before his side are ready for the 2012/13 Championship campaign.

"I think Shrewsbury played pretty well but we were nowhere near the level that we should be," said the City manager, "They've scored a goal in each half - the first goal was a super finish. All in all we didn't really create enough opportunities today.

"When you look at the number of offensive players that we have it's particularly disappointing. In lots of ways I'm not happy that we've lost but it's certainly an exercise that I will take the positives out of in terms of how we now prioritise who gets games."

Indeed, with four of Pearson's new signings on show it was hardly surprising that City failed to impress themselves as a unit on a well-drilled Shrewsbury side. A cracking shot from Terry Gornell fizzed under Kasper Schmeichel to give the home side a first half lead that Leicester could not overcome. Even the addition of a new forward line in the second half - Jamie Vardy replaced Marko Futacs whilst Jeffrey Schlupp came on for David Nugent - could not break down the rigid Salopian defence.

City's best chance did present itself following some good work by debutant Richie de Laet out wide. Having blocked a shot on the line, he played-in Lloyd Dyer who should have done better against Shrews' goalkeeper Joe Anyon before the break.

Despite the combined efforts of a lively Schlupp and Vardy, Shrewsbury doubled their lead through Marvin Morgan and left Pearson seemingly with more questions that answers as the final whistle blew. Leicester's manager insists, however, that he learnt much from watching his team play.

"We learnt a lot today - it was a bit of a wakeup for one or two within the squad so it may turn out to be not a bad thing," said Pearson, "I'm not going to try and gloss over that because it was a very lacklustre performance. It gives you a better indicator so there's still a long way to go."

Knitters lose to Foxes in front of record crowd

Hinckley United were soundly beaten by a mixed-up Leicester City eleven when the Foxes travelled to the Knitters' Greene King Stadium earlier this week.

Of the first team, only Euro 2012 participants Kasper Schmeichel and Sean St Ledger, plus new signing Zak Whitbread and an unwell Jermaine Beckford, were not in Nigel Pearson's squad as the City manager opted to give a range of players 45 minutes each.

Andy King was on target for City but his early strike was cancelled-out by a superb free-kick from the Knitters' Phil Greene on the stroke of half time. A brighter Leicester team took control after the break, however, with David Nugent, Jamie Vardy and Ben Marshall wrapping-up a commanding 4-1 victory in front of a record Greene King Stadium crowd of 3,411.

Meanwhile, in one of the more bizarre events of Leicester City's recent history, former Prime Minister Tony Blair was presented with a Foxes' shirt by vice-Chairman Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn.

Number 10: Former PM Blair receives his City shirt with Susan Whelan
(Leicester City Chief Executive), Raksriaksorn and Keith Vaz MP.

Zak Whitbread linked with Leicester move

Former Norwich City defender Zak Whitbread is the latest footballer to be linked with a move to Leicester City.

Released by the Canaries at the end of last season, American-born Whitbread made 44 appearances for Norwich having joined them from Millwall in 2010. As a loanee at the New Den from Liverpool before signing with the Lions on a permanent basis, the 28-year-old made over 100 appearances for Millwall over five years with the club. He made 21 Premier League appearances for Liverpool between 2003-2006.

It has been suggested that Whitbread was with the Foxes' executives at the club's Belvoir Drive training ground during today's open training session, though this is unconfirmed by the club. The BBC's Ian Stringer believes that a deal is close to completion. Stringer confirmed via Twitter that Whitbread has completed a medical and only personal terms are yet to be agreed.

Foxes' Open Training Session: Picture Special

Leicester City today completed a first open training session at the King Power Stadium in front of a bumper crowd.

Kit launch: Some 5,000 fans packed the Family Stand this morning

Training: City's players are put through their paces

New boy: Jamie Vardy shares a joke
with new teammate Danny Drinkwater

Around 5,000 supporters flocked to the family stand to greet their heroes and watch Nigel Pearson's new men for the first time. Only Sean St Ledger - resting still after international duty - was not present and all but one of the Foxes' squad completed a full session of drills, games and shoot-outs in what seemed to be a well-spirited, light-hearted event.

Only new boy Richie de Laet failed to complete the full hour, citing later that a quadriceps niggle saw him sit-out the latter stages. Meanwhile, fellow newcomer Jamie Vardy impressed as he was sharp in the box and at ease with his new teammates.

For reaction from Nigel Pearson and more EXCLUSIVE images from the day, click here or 'Read more' below.

Fans flock to open training session

Leicester City supporters have arrived in their thousands at the King Power Stadium for the launch of their new 2012/13 home strip.

Some queued from 6am to be the first to get their hands on the new kit, whilst thousands lined Filbert Way eager to enter the stadium.

And Of Fosse and Foxes will host an exclusive picture special featuring images from this morning's session later today.

New Leicester City 2012/13 kit revealed

Royal blue: City's new Puma home kit

Leicester City's new home kit for the 2012/13 season has been revealed - thanks to the club erecting billboards prior to it's going on sale at 8am tomorrow morning.

Spotted by city fan Bert, who posted this picture to twitter, the kit is the first designed for the club by Puma and features the German sportswear company's trademark shoulder stripe in white, against an otherwise entirely royal blue shirt. City will wear white shorts with blue trim to accompany the new home shirt, with the socks apparently in the same royal blue as the shirt.

The new kit will be officially unveiled tomorrow when the first team train wearing it at an open training session at the King Power Stadium. Fans will be able to watch Nigel Pearson's men in action - including his four new signings Matty James, Richie de Laet, Jamie Vardy and Marko Futacs - from the family stand, with admission from 10:00-10:45am for an 11:00am start.

Pearson delighted with Futacs signing

Training: Futacs joined his new team-mates for
the first time yesterday and will appear at this
Saturday's open session at the King Power Stadium.

Marko Futacs has been unveiled as Leicester City's fourth signing of the close season and Nigel Pearson is delighted to have secured the striker's signature.

The 22-year-old Hungarian under-21 international penned a three-year deal at the King Power Stadium yesterday and the City manager was quick to talk up the young forward's prospects at the club.

"Marko has only been in English football for a year, but has shown all of the physical and mental attributes to be successful at this level and we are delighted to have added him to the squad," said Pearson, "He is another player we faced considerable competition to sign, which only serves to highlight how impressively he performed for Portsmouth last season."

Futacs scored five goals for Pompey during his first season in English football, having joined them on a one-year deal after a two year spell with German outfit Werder Bremen. Prior to that, Futacs was on the books of AS Nancy as a youth team player, although he never appeared for the French side.

Futacs may be well-travelled, but in doing so he has gathered a wealth of experience and, at 6'5", his height could be a key asset to City's chances this coming season.

"His height naturally offers some variety to our attacking options," added Pearson, "But he is a very gifted player whose technical strengths should not be underestimated."

Morgan handed skipper's armband

Nigel Pearson had revealed his new captain for the 2012/13 season as defender Wes Morgan.

Having joined Leicester City in January last season from rivals Nottingham Forest, Morgan starts his first full season with the Foxes next month and will do so wearing the skipper's armband.

Pearson is pleased to have revealed Morgan as captain and explained why he has chosen Morgan - veteran of over 450 league games - to lead City's promotion posh next term.

"Wes has shown great leadership qualities throughout his career and his experience and strength of character have been real assets to the squad since he joined us in January," said Pearson, "As well as being an exceptional player, he is an individual everybody in the squad respects greatly and a very good communicator on the pitch. I am sure he will thrive on the responsibility of leading the team next season."

Morgan was honoured to be handed the role.

"It's a tremendous honour and something I'm extremely proud to be asked to do, because there are a number of my team mates that would be just as capable of doing the job," the Foxes' new captain said, "I'm fortunate that I'm part of a talented squad that is full of leaders and big characters, which should stand us in good stead as a group for the new season."

Of Fosse and Foxes' Notes No.2

The second edition of Of Fosse and Foxes notes is now available to download. This edition discusses the new options Nigel Pearson has up front - including the latest on new signing Marko Futacs - plus the excitement that is building towards Leicester City's new kit release.

Remember, you can subscribe to the podcast in iTunes by clicking here or by copying this link into your favourite feed aggregator.

Futacs is fourth arrival at King Power Stadium

Hungarian forward Marko Futacs has become Nigel Pearson's fourth signing of the season and is set to be unveiled as a Leicester City player on Monday.

The 22-year-old striker has agreed personal terms with the club, according to the Leicester Mercury, and will be announced as the Foxes' latest signing once his registration is completed with the Football League.

At 6'5", Futacs far exceeds the height of any other player on City's books and he will bolster the Foxes' attacking options, following the departure of Steve Howard who joined Hartlepool United yesterday, having been released by Leicester at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, City have offered a trial to former Dundee United goalkeeper Dusan Pernis. The Foxes have only three goalkeepers on their books at present following the departure of Chris Weale and Pearson is keen to offer some competition to number one Kasper Schmeichel.

Leicester favourites in Futacs talks

Former Portsmouth striker Marko Futacs is the latest player to be linked with a move to the King Power Stadium, with a deal set to be completed within 48 hours, Of Fosse and Foxes understands.

Target man Futacs scored five goals - including one against the Foxes - during a year with Pompey, having signed on a season-long deal from Werder Bremen last summer. With the relegated South coast side unable to offer the 22-year-old a new contract, Futacs is available as a free agent and has attracted a number of clubs.

Fellow Championship clubs Watford and Barnsley are also tracking the Hungarian under-21 international but as current league title favourites - and some funds available - City could be the most attractive option for the player.

Leicester City kit launch at open training session

Leicester City will unveil their 2012/13 home kit when the club opens its doors for an open training session in a week's time.

Entry to the training session - which will see new signings Jamie Vardy, Matty James and Richie de Laet on public show for the first time - is free. The session kicks-off at 10am on Saturday, 21st July at the King Power Stadium, with the new kit on sale from 8am the same morning.

The new home kit is the first to be released under a new supply deal with Puma, supporters of European Championship finalists Italy and Premier League side Newcastle United amongst others across the globe.

Foxes return to training and offer glimpse of new kit

Warming-up: new Foxes striker Jamie Vardy

Leicester City returned to training today and did so wearing a new Puma training kit that offers a glimpse of the new 2012/13 kit and squad numbers.

Wearing number 9, new signing Jamie Vardy took part in a bleep test session with fellow front-men Jermaine Beckford, David Nugent and Jeffrey Schlupp before Beckford joined Neil Danns is a light-hearted session at the club's Belvoir Drive training ground later on.

Manager Nigel Pearson spoke for the first time about his new striker, stating that amongst competition it was "great" to capture the former Halifax and Fleetwood Town man.

"It's great to have him," said the City boss, "He's got lots of energy and will hopefully give us a lot of goals as well. The strengths that these new players have is that they are young, they've got desire, and they want to play for us.

"I think it's really important that players have made that decision to come here and further their careers, because we want a good season and want promotion," added Pearson, who took the opportunity for the first time to talk to the media about the upcoming Championship campaign: "People have already put a lot of added expectation from the outside, which is in some ways a complement, but we have to go out there and produce it for ourselves - it's as simple as that."

City's players wore a deep blue training kit (as modelled by Vardy, left) with the coaches kitted-out in a navy blue alternative. The trend towards a block-colour throughout the training shirts, shorts and socks suggests that Leicester may play in all-blue at home this season in a throwback to the successful mid-1990s period.

Pearson rebuffed by Bruce over Hull players

Faked: City fans were not fooled after this image of James
Chester signing for Peterborough in 2009 was re-posted today

Nigel Pearson's advances to sign young Hull City trio James Chester, Cameron Stewart and Liam Rosenior have hit a new snag after Tigers' manager Steve Bruce re-stated his intentions to hold on to his best young talent.

"We've had four or five enquiries I'm told, but no bids," said Bruce, "If there's anyone serious they'll come and knock on my door. The one thing I don't want to do is lose my better players.

"I haven't come to sell my better players, I've come to have a good crack at getting where we want to be. Whether that's this year or next year, we've got to try and get in that big league if we can. You can't do that by selling your best players so we'll be doing our utmost to keep our better players."

Pearson's Leicester City have been heavily linked once again with James Chester following the move of Matt Mills to Bolton Wanderers earlier in the week but Bruce insists he is yet to hear from the Foxes' boss.

"I've not spoken with Nigel and I'd have thought if there's anything at all, he'd call me," Bruce added, "I've seen all the speculation in the papers and on the TV but I've had no contact with Nigel, who's someone I've known for a long time. Any interest would be met with a firm 'no' because they're not for sale."

Meanwhile, Cameron Stewart has himself stated that he has no ambition to leave Humberside in the near future. The Tigers' winger's form dipped in the latter half of the season following the rejection of two bids for the player from Leicester but 21-year-old Chester insists that his head was not turned.

"It was frustrating for me because people don't know me. That's not what I'm about. I never wanted to leave, I never asked to leave and I never asked for Leicester to put in a bid. It was all out of my control. Then it became a matter of me trying too hard or over-thinking things when people were on my back. Really, I should have just focused on my football and not on other people.

"I've heard rumours floating around different websites and newspapers, but I'm only concentrating on Hull City. I've got two years left here and I'm really happy. I've got no intentions of going anywhere else."

Beckford next on exit list?

Jermaine Beckford could be the next man to leave the King Power Stadium, if rumours tonight are to be believed.

Sources close to Leicester City have suggested that the former Everton and Leeds United striker could be placed on the Foxes' transfer list, whilst others have suggested that his contract may be cancelled.

Beckford had failed to find favour with City fans since his deadline-day move from the Toffees last summer, despite an heroic hat trick against Forest in the FA Cup in January. Indeed, he win last season's golden boot in that tournament and the striker's 9 goals in all competitions put him amongst City's top scorers last term.

Nonetheless, Beckford's future in the East Midlands remains uncertain with these rumours undenied by the club.

Terms agreed for Mills' Bolton move

Matt Mills has agreed terms with Bolton Wanderers and is no longer a Leicester City player.

Following earlier speculation that a deal for the 25-year-old was close, the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the defender and Mills has now signed a three-year deal with the Lancashire outfit.

Mills made 31 appearances for the Foxes after his record-breaking move from Reading a year ago. Skipper of the Royals' play-off final side, his price tag and reputation promised much but Mills failed to deliver, sloppy performances on the pitch and a reported argumentative nature off it making him anything but a favourite with the fans.

With Sol Bamba also departed, Nigel Pearson now has a defensive headache and is set to up his chase for Hull City's James Chester in a bid to go some way towards shoring-up last season's leaky defence.

Bolton close to Matt Mills deal

Bolton Wanderers are on the verge of signing out-of-favour Leicester City defender Matt Mills, according to BBC Sport.

Mills has not featured for the Foxes since February, following a dramatic row with manager Nigel Pearson amid increased competition in defence. Mills was signed by Sven Goran Eriksson a year ago to lead City's back line but never managed to live up to his reputation. After Pearson signed Wes Morgan in January, Mills' chances were limited and he became frustrated having lost the club captaincy.

25-year-old Mills is set to sign a permanent deal with Bolton but Leicester are unlikely to recoup the fee - approaching £5 million - they paid for the centre half twelve months ago.

Pearson has already lost defender Sol Bamba to Turkish side Trabzonspor and is known to be keen on signing Hull City's James Chester as a replacement. Pearson knows Chester well, having managed the centre half during his spell with the Tigers.

Conrad Logan extends City contract

Leicester City's reserve goalkeeper Conrad Logan has extended his contract at the King Power Stadium until June 2013.

The Irishman joined the Foxes' Academy in 2001 and graduated in 2004 and this new contract extends his stay with City into an eighth season. He remains as Leicester City's longest-serving player by some distance.

The 26-year-old has only made 29 first-team appearances for the Foxes but has built up his strengths during loan spells at an array of clubs including Stockport County, Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United.

Of Fosse and Foxes Notes No.1

Of Fosse and Foxes is proud to present a new Leicester City podcast. This first instalment involves my playing around with Garageband, a new toy I've not used before, but I hope to be able to post a number  of podcasts as the season wears-on. Bear with me as I develop the format and my technical capability!

Have a listen and post some feedback in the blog's Comments (below). I should also take this opportunity to urge you to subscribe not just to the podcast (using iTunes or a similar 'podcatcher') but also to the blog's RSS feed or email subscription. Check out the sidebar for details.

This first episode of 'Notes' explores the early-summer changes at the King Power Stadium and the news that the Foxes' season will start in Torquay and finish in the very different City Ground.

Enjoy the podcast,

Tim

Foxes to end season with Forest trip

Leicester City will play Peterborough at home to kick-off their 2012/13 nPower Championship campaign.

The Posh will be hosted at the King Power Stadium at 3pm on Saturday, 15th August - a full week later than the first game of last season.

City will travel to Charlton Athletic the following Tuesday, 21st August (19:45) before a visit to Blackburn's Ewood Park the next weekend.

The first derby takes place on Saturday, 10th November (15:00) when City host East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest, with Derby County kicking-off the festive season with their fixture at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, 1st December (15:00).

City will travel to Hull City on Boxing Day (15:00) before visiting Derby's Pride Park in mid-March (Saturday, 16th March; 15:00). The season is sure to close with fireworks as the Foxes travel to Forest's City Ground on the final day of the season, Saturday, 4th May (15:00).

Bamba completes Trabzonspor move

Ivorian international defender Sol Bamba has completed a move to Turkish side Tranzonspor.

The fans' favourite - who delighted and frustrated in equal measure - scored four times for Leicester City during his eighteen-month spell in the East Midlands, making 55 appearances for the club.

Bamba found his previously assured defensive berth under threat after the arrival of Wes Morgan in January and Nigel Pearson keen to sure-up an often leaky back four but did accrue 33 appearances last term, despite being required to play in the Ivory Coast's unsuccessful Africa Cup of Nations.

The move - rumoured for weeks - is thought to be worth up to £1 million and is set to earn the Foxes' Thai owners a tidy profit after he was bought to the club by Sven Goran Eriksson for £250,000 in January 2011.

City have not yet been successful in their bid to replace Bamba but are keen on Hull City's highly-rated centre half James Chester.

Foxes face Torquay trek

Three-times League Cup winners Leicester City will travel to Torquay United in the first round of the 2012/13 Capital One Cup.

The League Two outfit will host the Foxes on the week commencing 13th August, with the tie set to be the first competitive match of the season for Nigel Pearson's side. The match will be the first time that City have travelled to Plainmoor, with the Foxes' 3-0 winners on the two clubs' only meeting in the FA Cup, forty years ago.

City lie fourth in the all-time winners' rankings for the knockout competition - rebranded after the credit card giant this season thanks to a four-year sponsorship deal being agreed with the Football League last month - but have not won the trophy since 2000 having been finalists three times in five years under Martin O'Neill.

St Ledger scores as Ireland succumb to defeat

Sean St Ledger became the first Irishman to score in a major international tournament in a decade - and the first Leicester City player to score in a major European tournament - when his header drew the Republic of Ireland level against Croatia tonight.

The Leicester City defender netted just his third international goal when he evaded the Croatian defence to head home at the back post and put his country back into contention. Ireland had fallen to an early 1-goal deficit until St Ledger drew them level on 19 minutes.

However, Croatia proved the more able side as they scored twice again to earn a 3-1 victory over the Republic in the opening round of fixtures in Poland and Ukraine.

St Ledger's goal makes history as he becomes the first serving Leicester City player to score in either the UEFA European Championships or FIFA World Cup.

Bamba close to Turkey move

Leicester City defender Sol Bamba is close to a reported £1 million move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, according to sources.

The Ivorian international defender has become a regular fixture in the Foxes' starting eleven since joining from Hibernian in a deal worth £250,000. He earned praise and criticism in equal measure from City fans, with his marauding, attacking runs delighting supporters but causing some concerns about his defending. Bamba has nonetheless gained interest from a number of clubs following Leicester's disappointing end to the season.

Meanwhile, Scottish champions Celtic are reportedly keen on out-of-favour defender Matt Mills and have had a swap deal including Kelvin Wilson rejected. City want a cash deal in excess of £3 million for their record signing, according to the Leicester Mercury.

Schmeichel handed Denmark Euro call-up

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been awarded a late call-up to the Denmark national squad which travels to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012 next month.

The 25-year-old will replace injured Thomas Sorensen in Morten Olsen's 23-man touring party and the Danish coach insists he has no fears in handing the uncapped Foxes' keeper a place in his squad.

"He has worked seriously on his development as a goalkeeper," said Olsen, "We followed him closely during the season for Leicester."

Full Denmark Squad for Euro 2012:

Goalkeepers: Stephan Andersen (Evian Thonon Gaillard), Anders Lindegaard (Manchester United), Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)

Defenders: Lars Jacobsen (FC Copenhagen), Simon Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar), Daniel Wass (Evian Thonon Gaillard), Simon Kjaer (AS Roma), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Andreas Bjelland (FC Nordsjaelland), Jores Okore (FC Nordsjaelland)

Midfielders: William Kvist (VfB Stuttgart), Christian Poulsen (Evian Thonon Gaillard), Niki Zimling (Club Bruges), Jakob Poulsen (Midtjylland), Lasse Schone (NEC Nijmegen), Tobias Mikkelsen (FC Nordsjaelland), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Brondby), Thomas Kahlenberg (Evian Thonon Gaillard), Michael Silberbauer (Young Boys)

Forwards: Christian Eriksen (Ajax Amsterdam), Niclas Pedersen (FC Groningen), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Dennis Rommedahl (Brondby)

City break non-league transfer record

Leicester City have secured a record-breaking deal, as they have made their third signing of this summer.

The Foxes have bid a reported £1 million for Fleetwood Town striker Jamie Vardy and agreed terms with the player at the King Power Stadium yesterday. The deal has broken the transfer record for a player from the non-league system and will be a major fillip for the Cod Army's first Football League pre-season.

Record breaker: Jamie Vardy has signed for the Foxes

The 25-year-old striker netted 34 goals this season to help Fleetwood to promotion and has signed a three-year deal with City. Born in Sheffield, Vardy was released by Wednesday's academy and found his way to Stocksbridge Park Steels. After scoring 66 goals in just 107 appearances for the South Yorkshire outfit he moved to Halifax Town in 2010 and scored an impressive 29 goals in 41 games for the Shaymen. He moved to Fleetwood for an undisclosed fee the following summer and his impressive record attracted Nigel Pearson as early as January, when a bid for Vardy was turned-down by the Lancashire club.

"I got to sit down for a chat with Nigel and this is where I wanted to come," Vardy said, "You see the facilities and I thought, 'yes, I can see myself playing here'. And obviously because the manager wanted me as well it made the decision easier. He said he'd been watching me for quite a while, obviously if I've caught his eye I must have been doing something right."

Having scored against Championship Blackpool in the FA Cup Fylde derby earlier in the year, Vardy feels ready to challenge at the highest level - as Fleetwood chairman Andy Pilley attests.

"We always knew that Jamie was going to move on this pre-season," he told BBC Lancashire, "We wish him well because he's been fantastic for the club. We've fought for good terms and we're pleased with the compensation that we've got. He's been absolutely amazing and a lot of supporters will say he's the best player ever that has ever played for Fleetwood."

Meanwhile the club have finally confirmed the departures of Steve Howard, Matt Oakley and Aleksandar Tunchev whose contracts expire at the end of June. Additionally, striker Darius Vassell, goalkeeper Chris Weale and youth product Elliott Chamberlain have not been offered new deals and are free to look for new clubs. Weale is thought to be in talks over a move to Yeovil Town in his native Somerset.

Foxes Sign United Duo

Ritchie De Laet and Matty James have joined Leicester City from Manchester United today in a deal worth a reported £2 million.

The Old Trafford pair become Nigel Pearson's first signings of what it's expected to be another busy summer at the King Power Stadium.

More to follow.

Leicester set to sign Manchester United trio?

It is believed that Leicester City are in the final stages of securing the services of three Manchester United startlets.

Defender Richie de Lait and midfielder Matty James are thought to be involved in a £2 million deal with the Foxes. Both have made just three senior appearances for the Red Devils and are not thought to be involved in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for the future.

Meanwhile, news is also rife that Larnell Cole - also a product of the Old Trafford academy - could move to the King Power Stadium. Ferguson has stated his intentions to allow young players out on loan to gain first-team experience next term.

City will finance the purchase of their targets with the potential sale of a string of Sven Goran Eriksson signings. According to the Mirror, Jermaine Beckford, Lee Peltier and Paul Konchesky could join defender Matt Mills on the exit list.

Heskey favours return to Leicester

Glory days: Heskey won the League Cup
twice with Leicester

Leicester City academy graduate Emile Heskey favours a return to his former club as contract talks with his current side, Aston Villa, have stalled.

The 34-year old former City, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and England striker has admitted that he would be interested in a return to the East Midlands, where he burst onto the scene as part of the successful Martin O'Neill teams of the late 1990s.

Heskey, a two-times League Cup winner with Leicester, told BBC Sport that there is a likelihood of him rejoining his boyhood club, with his family still living and working in the city.

"There's a possibility that might happen. I'm not going to turn anything down," he said, ""I haven't got a club to be honest. There are no contract talks so I'll be looking elsewhere. Obviously, my contract is up, so I just take it day by day and see what crops up."

Villa have refused to offer Heskey a new deal at Villa Park, with his appearances this season limited to those as substitute. He has not scored for Alex McLeish's ailing side since August. With Steve Howard having left the King Power Stadium the place for a target man is up for grabs and, with Heskey seeking a new job, a return to Leicester would not be unlikely - despite his age.

"I'm 34," he added, "I still feel I can play, so I don't see why I need to retire just now. From when I started, I always said I wanted to play at the highest level, wherever that might be. You always strive for that. I'm actually starting my coaching badges, so that is another avenue I'm going down now. But I'm going to have a little break, and then see what offers there are."

Heskey's £11 million move to Liverpool in 2000 remains as Leicester's record transfer fee received and he would be a popular signing for under-pressure Nigel Pearson to make. His England career earned him criticism for a lack of goals, but vital contributions in his 66 caps earned him a steadfast reputation for power and brawn in attack.

St Ledger in Irish Euro 2012 Squad

Leicester City will be represented in next month's European Championships when Sean St Ledger travels with his Irish team mates to Poland and Ukraine.

International: City's St Ledger celebrates scoring for Ireland
against Slovakia in the Euro 2012 qualifying round

The Foxes' defender joins Shay Given and Robbie Keane amongst other Premier League names in the 23-man squad to face Italy and Croatia plus World and European champions Spain in Group C. St Ledger featured heavily in the Republic's qualifying campaign, playing in wins over Andorra, Armenia and Estonia and scoring the crucial goal to hand Ireland a draw against Slovakia.

St Ledger has earned much respect playing for Leicester this season having been signed by Sven Goran Eriksson last summer, but has become frustrated with a lack of first team action having started just 22 games this season.

"Next season I want to start more games," said St Ledger, "I want to play here and I want to start. My aim is to play every game and I haven't done that this season. I am 28 next season and I want to play first-team football. If I can't do it, then it is difficult because of my age and my international career. Leicester is a big club and when I come back for pre-season, after the Euros, hopefully, I will be fit and challenging for a starting place."

Full Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012

Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall); John O'Shea (Sunderland), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Leicester), Darren O'Dea (Leeds), Kevin Foley (Wolves); Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (West Brom), Keith Fahey (Birmingham), Darron Gibson (Everton), Damien Duff (Fulham), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), James McClean (Sunderland); Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long, Simon Cox (both West Brom), Jon Walters (Stoke).

2011/12 Analysed: Player-by-Player - Part One

Last season's disappointment yielded a bright future when Leicester City spent a record breaking £10-15 million on players over the summer. With those big names failing to deliver on their promise of Premier League promotion, many have come under criticism with the future of many now hanging in the balance. To understand what the future might hold, let's first examine the performance of each and every player to feature in the first team squad over the 2011/12 nPower Championship campaign.

Foxes favourite to land Vardy

Wanted man: Fleetwood's Jamie Vardy

Leicester City have emerged as favourites for the signature of Fleetwood Town striker Jamie Vardy.

The 25-year-old scored 34 goals to put the Cod Army into the Football League for the first time, as they won the Conference National title. City made a £1 million bid for Vardy in January but that was rejected.

"Jamie Vardy is a Fleetwood player and will remain that way until the summer," Cod Army manager Micky Mellon told BBC Radio Lancashire in the winter, "There is absolutely no doubt about that. He was brought here to do a job for the football club and he'll finish that job off."

It seems, however, that Fleetwood would be lucky to keep hold of the in-demand forward and the Foxes are prime candidates to sign the striker.

Meanwhile, the Leicester Mercury has reported that Nigel Pearson has submitted a bid for defender James Chester, who he managed during his year in charge at Hull City. The Foxes' approach has already been rebuffed by the Tigers but it is thought that, with the defender as Pearson's prime target, Leicester will be in a position to make a further offer for the 23-year-old.

Bids have also been made for Manchester United's Ezekiel Fryers and Richie du Lait, whilst Hull have also been approached over midfielder Robert Koren in a busy start to the summer at the King Power Stadium.

Tunchev and Pantsil join Howard as exit queue grows

Aleksandar Tunchev has become the next man to depart the King Power Stadium, according to sources close to Of Fosse and Foxes.

The Bulgarian international featured only sparsely for Leicester City since returning from long-term injury at the start of the season and it looks likely that he will follow fellow veteran Steve Howard in leaving the Foxes this week. Tunchev's long career in the East Midlands began at the start of the successful 2009/10 League One promotion campaign, with his assured performances earning him much respect from the club's fans.

However, a knee injury sustained against Crystal Palace half way through that season cut-short his Foxes' career, with a return mid-way through this season widely expected after his successful spell on loan at Selhurst Park. Tunchev made only his sixth appearance in royal blue in three years when the Foxes travelled to face Palace in January this year but, despite playing a significant role in the Foxes' victory, his position was overtaken by the arrival of Wes Morgan and he failed to appear again for Leicester. He leaves the club after nearly four years having made just 28 appearances.

Meanwhile, defender John Pantsil is also believed to have left the club. Bought in by Sven Goran Eriksson as an experienced international on a free transfer from Fulham, Pantsil was expected to play a significant role in City's defence but failed to make his way into a regular first team berth. The Ghanaian international leaves the club having made just six first-team appearances.

Schmeichel big winner on awards night

Kasper Schmeichel was the big winner at Leicester City's gala awards dinner last night as he picked-up two of the top awards.

When You're Smiling: Schmeichel is Player of the Year

The Foxes' keeper was handed the supporter-voted Player of the Year accolade and was voted by his team mates as the Players' Player of the Year. He beat David Nugent and Paul Konchesky to the two top prizes, having been a stand-out performer throughout a disappointing and inconsistent season.

Ben Marshall added the Goal of the Year award to his trophy cabinet to sit alongside the award for Young Player of the Year following his strike against Chelsea in the FA Cup Quarter Final, whilst Tom Hopper beat fellow Academy graduate Harry Panayiotou to the Academy Player of the Year crown.

The final Team Performance of the Year award, voted for by the management team, recognised the achievements of the squad that travelled to face Premier League Norwich City in the FA Cup Fifth Round.

Leeds expected to make early Beckford bid

Record: Beckford scored 72 time at Leeds

Leeds United are widely anticipated to make an early bid to take Jermaine Beckford back to Elland Road.

The Leicester City striker, signed on transfer deadline day last summer by Sven Goran Eriksson, has failed to impress many during his first season in the East Midlands and was outscored by fellow summer arrival David Nugent in all competitions.

Beckford began his professional career with Leeds having impressed at Wealdstone in his youth. His goals saw United promoted back into the Championship, scoring 72 times in just 126 appearances. His form at Elland Road attracted David Moyes' Everton and he moved to Goodison Park but failed to ignite a Premier League career and was snapped up for £2 million by Eriksson last summer having scored on eight occasions for the Toffees.

With just nine goals to his tally in 39 appearances this season for the Foxes, Beckford has not found favour with City's supporters despite a hat-trick against rivals Nottingham Forest in January. Leicester are thought to be open to offers for the 28-year-old, with Leeds believed to be favourites to capture the player.