Exclusive - Leicester are bracing themselves for a battle to keep hold of manager Brendan Rodgers, who remains Tottenham's top target to replace Jose Mourinho.
Spurs interest in Rodgers was first revealed by 90min back in March, before Mourinho had been relieved of his duties. Chairman Daniel Levy has long known that the Portuguese boss would not be in charge next season, and with Mourinho's departure now confirmed, Levy is prepared to step up his search of a successor.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that former Chelsea and Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has applied for the job, and Spurs have not turned the Italian down yet, while Julian Nagelsmann, Nuno Espirito Santo and Steven Gerrard are under consideration as well.
However, Rodgers has long been seen as the dream target and Spurs are prepared to show their commitment to him by offering a contract in excess of the £15m per year which Mourinho took home at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Leicester know Rodgers is in high demand. He was Manchester City's top target to replace Pep Guardiola if the Spaniard did not sign a new contract, while 90min understands his work has earned admiring glances from Barcelona as well.
To convince him to stay, Leicester have made it clear that they would match Spurs' offer and would even be prepared to better it, which would see him move behind only Guardiola on the list of the Premier League's highest-earning managers.
Rodgers is understood to be happy with Leicester, who have forced their way into the so-called big six under the guidance of the Northern Irishman, but there is an awareness that moving to Spurs would be an enormous opportunity.
While Leicester's results on the pitch have been more impressive and the Foxes stand to qualify for the Champions League this year, Spurs' riches may mean the club has higher potential in the long term.
Rodgers has not made a decision about his future just yet. He still has four years remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium and would be more than happy to stay.
With Leicester ready to fight to keep Rodgers around, Spurs are keen to explore all their options, but Rodgers is right at the top of their wish list and will be the first candidate offered the job.
For more from Tom Gott, follow him on Twitter!
Source : 90min