Steve Cooper draws up Leicester transfer wish list and two starters needed in January
Steve Cooper would like at least two new signings in the January transfer window to slot straight into his Leicester starting line-up, talkSPORT understands.
A defender is likely to be high on their priority list as the Foxes conceded 21 goals in their first 11 games of the Premier League season.
Cooper brought in 23-year-old center back Caleb Okoli. Atalanta in preseason and although the Italian has struggled to maintain consistency, senior club officials believe that he will become a high-quality player.
A second physical centre-back was on the summer wish list so Leicester could renew their search to strengthen that position.
Meanwhile, a new left-back could also be targeted to overtake Victor Kristiansen and Luke Thomas in the pecking order.
The Foxes have won just twice since promotion from the Championship before welcoming his former boss Enzo Marescaand Chelsea, to the King Power Stadium this weekend, live on talkSPORT.
The four defenders who started in the 3-0 defeat in manchester united Before the international break, they were all part of the team that would be relegated from the Premier League in 2023.
Conor Coady He is understood to be keen to play more often, having only featured once in the Premier League this season.
He came off the bench in the 2-2 draw in Crystal Palace in September.
Centre-back Ben Nelson, who has spent the first part of the campaign on loan at the Oxford UnitedHe is highly regarded by the club and could be called up in January to be part of Leicester's pre-season run-up.
However, the 20-year-old is expected to be out for several months with a thigh injury.
Cooper had been following Nelson's progress closely and was in the Oxford stands when he suffered his injury.
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Meanwhile, winger Abdul Fatawu has been ruled out for the season, dealing a blow to the Foxes.
Fatawu suffered an ACL injury while playing for Ghana.
Cooper confirmed the bad news in his pre-Chelsea press conference this morning.
He said: “For this to happen at such a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us too.”
Fatawu had starred in his first games in the Premier League, being a constant threat on the wings.
He played the full 90 minutes against Man United before the international break.
Ex-Nottingham Forest Boss Cooper took charge of the King Power in the summer, replacing Maresca on the bench.
He inherited a team newly promoted to the Premier League at the first attempt.
In 11 league games this season, Cooper has collected 10 points thanks to his victories over Bournemouth and Southampton.
As a result, Leicester is ranked 15th and reaches the round of 16 of the tournament. Carabao Cup before the defeat to United last month.
