Premier League side Leicester City are set to appoint former Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy as new head coach.

Van Nistelrooy recently left United after a short spell as interim manager and serving as assistant to Erik ten Hag who was sacked by the Red Devils.

Leicester sacked Steve Cooper on Sunday after just 12 Premier League games in charge, with the Foxes 16th in the table and only one point above the relegation zone.

Leicester had considered the former Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac and the current West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan as possible candidates, but have now decided Van Nistelrooy is their preferred choice.

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The decision was said to have been taken by club owner Aiyawatt Shrivadhannaprabha – known as “Top” – who took personal responsibility for the appointment, with director of football Jon Rudkin preparing a list of candidates.

Two of Van Nistelrooy’s three wins in four games as United’s caretaker boss in the past month came against Leicester in the League Cup and Premier League.

The 48-year-old Dutchman has previous managerial experience from one year in charge of PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.

Sky Sports reported that the former United striker could even be appointed in time to lead Leicester in their next game away at Brentford on Saturday.

A prolific goalscorer, Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a glorious playing career, most notably at United, PSV, and Real Madrid.

The Star