LEICESTER are targeting a Championship manager who could still be promoted to the Premier League, according to reports.
The are expected to part ways with this summer, despite the Dutchman’s deal running until 2027.
However, his record of just four wins in 24 games as manager has left his position nigh-on untenable.
And according to talkSPORT, his successor is already being lined up in the form of City manager Liam Manning.
Manning, 39, took charge of the Robins in November 2023 and has enjoyed an impressive first full season in charge by leading the club into the play-offs for the first time in 17 years.
They secured their spot in the sixth and final place ahead of Blackburn after coming from 2-0 down to draw on the final day of the season, while Rovers failed to beat United to bridge the points gap.
Bristol will now clash with the Blades during the play-offs, with the semi-final first leg taking place at Ashton Gate on May 8 before the return leg at Bramall Lane four days later.
On securing a play-off place, Manning told BBC Radio Bristol: “I have no idea how I am feeling, to be honest. Exhausted, stressed, happy, over the moon, proud – what an afternoon...
“There’s no expectation or pressure on us so we have got to go and be brave and enjoy it. You see today the lads give everything for the shirt.”;
Victory in the play-offs would see playing in the Premier League for the first time ever, and for the first time in ‘s top flight since 1980.
Manning temporarily stepped down from his position earlier this season after the .
After the final day, Manning celebrated with his customary fist-bumps into the crowd, a celebration he shared with his son, Isaac.
Speaking to Bristol Live, he said: “Yeah, it was special. I had to force him to do it.
“He’d said about doing it during the week and then he bottled it a little bit, so there was a little bit of a nudge.
“It’s been a tough year personally for me, so it’s a special moment for me to be able to do that with my family at the end.”;
Meanwhile, former interim boss Van Nistelrooy is eager to find out whether Leicester will opt to keep him or part ways.
The 48-year-old said: “(I am) still hoping to find out. The quicker the better, in the best interest of the club.
“We’re all hoping to find out soon. There’s 70 people working at the training ground who want to evaluate the season (and start) looking forward to the next.”;
Leicester’s final three games of their current Premier League stay see them taking on chasing , fellow relegated side Ipswich and .
They will be looking to bounce straight back into the top flight like they did during their last stay in the second tier two seasons ago.
