Appleton to assist Shakespeare

Leicester City are poised to confirm the appointment of Michael Appleton as Craig Shakespeare’s No 2 and are considering a second bid for Jonny Evans.

Appleton, the Oxford manager, is expected to complete his move to the King Power Stadium this week, with talks at an advanced stage between the two clubs.

Oxford are reluctant to lose Appleton, 41, but an agreement is likely within the next 48 hours, as new Leicester manager Shakespeare moves to strengthen his backroom staff.

Shakespeare and Appleton worked together at West Bromwich Albion and are teaming up again together at the former Premier League champions.

Shakespeare is also targeting another first-team coach, with former defender Chris Powell still in the frame.

Leicester are also stepping up their summer recruitment, after the £17 million capture of Harry Maguire, and are weighing up an improved bid for West Brom defender Evans. Albion rejected a £10 million bid for Evans last week, with the message coming from the Hawthorns that the Northern Ireland international was not for sale at any price.

But Leicester are prepared to make another offer after growing frustrated with Middlesbrough’s valuation of England international Ben Gibson.

Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson is another top target while Kelechi Iheanacho, the Manchester City forward, is also on Shakespeare’s hit list.