HITC Sport understands Leicester City are set to appoint the Oxford United boss as assistant manager.
Oxford United manager Michael Appleton
Leicester City have lined up Oxford United boss Michael Appleton as Craig Shakespeare’ assistant at the King Power Stadium, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Shakespeare is looking to finalise his coaching staff after being confirmed as Leicester’s permanent manager on a three-year deal last week.
Former Leicester assistant manager Shakespeare took over as interim boss after Claudio Ranieri’s exit in February and steered Leicester to safety in the Premier League.
Having been handed the job on a full-time basis Shakespeare is keen to bring in a number two to help him out and he has targeted Appleton.
Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare
Shakespeare and Appleton worked together at West Brom and Appleton is highly-regarded in coaching circles.
The former Manchester United midfielder has had management spells at Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn before joining Oxford.
Appleton has spent the last three seasons at Oxford leading the club to promotion from League Two and then consolidating them in League One.
The 41-year-old is thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League to link up with Shakespeare again and is ready to give up his role at Oxford to make the move.
Oxford United manager Michael Appleton
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