Leicester City are nearing an agreement to appoint former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as their new manager, with the latest reports indicating that a deal is ‘close’.

The club has been searching for a successor since Enzo Maresca departed for Chelsea a few weeks ago. Maresca guided the team to Premier League promotion in his sole season in charge, with his style of play impressing Chelsea.

Potter has been without a club since leaving Stamford Bridge in April last year, the same day Leicester parted ways with Brendan Rodgers. Leicester has long admired Potter, who reportedly declined an offer to take over at the end of the 2022/23 season.

It now appears Leicester has secured their preferred candidate. Potter emerged as a top contender to replace Maresca last week, alongside West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Carberan and former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.

The Sun reports that Leicester are close to finalising Potter's appointment following positive discussions between the parties in recent days. If confirmed, he will take charge for the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium on Monday, August 19.

Potter's potential appointment adds intrigue to Leicester's first encounter of the season against Chelsea. The November clash at the King Power Stadium will mark Maresca’s return since leaving, and also Potter’s first reunion with his former club since departing 18 months ago.