Exclusive: David Prutton reveals what could prevent Leicester City from appointing Lee Carsley | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton spoke exclusively to Football League World about Leicester City's interest in England U21 boss Lee Carsley

A significant summer rebuild awaits Leicester City, who saw their relegation back to the Championship mathematically sealed with five games to spare after slumping to a 1-0 home defeat against Arne Slot's Liverpool last weekend.

The Foxes, much like bottom-placed Southampton and Ipswich Town, have made a miserable stab at trying to stay in an increasingly-competitive Premier League after gaining promotion from the second-tier as champions last time out.

There are growing concerns about how Leicester will transition back to the Championship next term. Much is at play away from the pitch at the King Power Stadium right now amid tangible fears of EFL-imposed Profit and Sustainability (PSR) sanctions, the uncertain future of unpopular boss Ruud van Nistelrooy and, most recently, the decision made by legendary, long-serving striker Jamie Vardy to move on at the end of the season after an iconic 13-year stay with the club.

Van Nistelrooy has admitted he remains unsure whether he will retain his job heading into the summer, and a host of names have been linked with potentially succeeding the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar.

As per Sky Sports, the Foxes' hierarchy have already drawn up a shortlist of replacements, which includes current Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl, Russell Martin and Lee Carsley, who is now back in charge of England's U21 side following a brief stint in charge of the senior side prior to Thomas Tuchel's appointment.

David Prutton's Leicester City, Lee Carsley verdict

Sky Sports pundit and EFL expert David Prutton spoke exclusively to Football League World to discuss the possibility of Carsley taking over from van Nistelrooy at Leicester.

Prutton noted Carsley's ambition, as well as the geographical suitability at play, given that the coach hails from nearby Birmingham.

However, Prutton has firsthand knowledge of just how much Carsley enjoys his role with England's top age-group side, which could potentially prevent Leicester from getting a deal done in the coming weeks.

"They need someone to get them back up pretty sharpish, don't they?" Prutton told FLW.

"Jamie Vardy is moving on after a stellar 13-year spell and I know Lee thoroughly enjoys working with the U21's.

"I had the pleasure of sitting next to him and he was waxing lyrical about the players at his disposal, he thoroughly enjoyed that spell as head coach for the top team.

"In there, you've got a very ambitious man, who I presume would be Midlands-based given his Brummie background.

"So the geography might not be a problem. But again, he'll be one of many, many managers across Europe and the world who will be throwing his hat into the Leicester City ring."

Leicester City could potentially benefit from Lee Carsley, England factor

Carsley's own satisfaction in his current role is a natural potential roadblock in the Foxes' seeming pursuit. However, to play devil's advocate, his experience with England's U21's could be a massive plus point if Leicester are able to get a deal done.

With Carsley in charge, Leicester would surely stand a good chance at bringing some of those who have worked under the 51-year-old to the East Midlands.

Players like Carl Rushworth, Tommy Doyle and West Bromwich Albion winger Tom Fellows are perhaps the most realistic candidates right now, but Carsley's proven track record of coaching and enhancing elite young talent could also convince Premier League clubs to send their prospects to Leicester in the 2025/26 season.

It's easy to see the appeal of appointing Carsley, but naturally, it's all going to depend on whether he wants to trade his role with the Three Lions for a promotion charge with the Foxes.