Leicester consider move for former defender – who has also managed Millwall and Oxford – to replace Marti Cifuentes after he was axed by Championship strugglers

Gary Rowett is among the early candidates for the vacant manager’s job at Leicester City, who fired Marti Cifuentes after only six months in charge.

Cifuentes was dismissed in the aftermath of Saturday’s home defeat by struggling Oxford.

A decade after their glorious Premier League triumph, Leicester are 14th in the Championship and six points adrift of the play-off places having taken only one point form the last three games.

Andy King, first team coach and a former player from the glory era, has taken interim charge ahead of the next fixture, at home against Charlton on Saturday.

Rowett knows Leicester and their fans. He is busy with media work but could be tempted to help out one of his old clubs.

Like King, he played for the Foxes in the Premier League era and boasts vast experience managing in the Championship often on limited resources, most recently at Oxford.

The 51-year-old started his managerial career at Burton Albion where he finished his playing career.

He impressed in charge of two more of his former clubs Birmingham and Derby. A move to Stoke did not bring the same satisfaction but four years establishing Millwall in the top half of the Championship restored his reputation as a second-tier specialist.

He led Oxford clear of relegation last season before his dismissal at year later in December.

Daily Mail Sport understands Hearts boss Derek McInnes is another name being considered by the Foxes, who are looking for an experienced manager to guide them up the table.

McInnes has done a stellar job at Tynecastle and his side are four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as they look to bring an end to the Old Firm monopoly north of the border.