Leicester manager on the brink as extra security deployed around directors’ box

Marti Cifuentes is in danger of losing his job as Leicester manager, talkSPORT understands.

Sources close to the Foxes say owner Khun ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha was contemplating a change in the dugout even before today’s 3-2 defeat at home to Sheffield United.

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Leicester have won only six of their 18 Championship games this season following their relegation from the Premier League.

They are currently 15th in the second tier – seven points clear of safety – and could find themselves lower once the weekend’s fixtures have concluded.

The Foxes are also facing a possible points deduction in the coming days due to alleged breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules.

talkSPORT has been told that while a 12-point penalty is possible, six points is the most likely outcome.

It puts Leicester under the very real threat of relegation should their form fail to improve.

Cifuentes signed a two-year deal with the club when appointed in July.

It is understood the Spaniard took a pay cut to take the Leicester job after being placed on gardening leave by Queens Park Rangers in April.

Nevertheless, Leicester would need to consider the cost of making a managerial change, given their financial difficulties.

Situation turns toxic

Added security could be seen guarding the directors’ box at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Leicester fans have grown deeply disillusioned with their team’s plight, which comes less than a decade after they won the Premier League in one of football’s greatest-ever miracles.

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Cifuentes’ men were 2-0 down inside four minutes against the Blades, who added a third before half-time and then held off a late fightback.

Michael Carrick is the current bookmakers’ favourite to replace Cifuentes, should Leicester opt for a change.

The former Middlesbrough manager has been out of work since leaving the Riverside in the summer.

Russell Martin, who was linked with the Leicester job before the season began, is available once again following his disastrous reign at Rangers.

Gary O’Neil is also considered a candidate following recent links with Wolves and Norwich.