Closing in on their man.

Leicester city are in advanced negotiations with former Southampton manager Claude Puel to replace the sacked Craig Shakespeare according to Sky Sports.

The Frenchman, who was axed by Southampton at the end of last season despite finishing a eight in the league, held talks with Foxes chiefs yesterday. Three current top-flight bosses have also been linked with the job – Burnley’s Sean Dyche, Marco Silva of Watford and the Huddersfield head coach David Wagner.

56-year-old Puel boasts a French title among his managerial achievements, having won Ligue 1 in 2001 with Monaco, the club at which he had spent his entire playing career.

Current caretaker manager Michael Appleton is set to stay on under Puel.