Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet has put in a formal transfer request. Aston Villa and Leeds have been vying for the signature of the Turkish international, but the Birmingham club are favourites to secure his services. £8m-rated Izzet has insisted that trophies are the reason behind his request rather than money. "I am 27 next week and want to give myself the best chance of winning trophies - and I want to play in Europe," he said.
The long-serving player was signed by Martin O'Neill six years ago from Chelsea for a mere £800,000. Although Chelsea will receive a percentage of the fee as part of a sell-on clause, Izzet's sale would bring in some much needed cash for manager Dave Bassett to strengthen his side following the high-profile failure of several signings made by former boss Peter Taylor.
Bassett received a further setback today with the news that Gerry Taggart is unlikely to return to action for the Filbert Street club before Christmas. The Northern Ireland international underwent an operation and was initially expected to return to the team at the start of September.
As Leicester's problems continue to mount, Bassett is stepping up his efforts to bring in a new reserve team coach after the departure of Garry Parker earlier in the week. "I've had a couple of applications for the post but there are also one or two people whom I know that I shall be interviewing in the next week," Bassett said. "I'll definitely bring someone in. We need someone to look after the reserves because there is only Micky Adams and myself at present who are here."
Parker, who had a spell as caretaker boss of the senior side after Peter Taylor's sacking, spent five years with the Foxes. Bassett, however, has insisted that he will not be looking for a replacement for fitness coach Darren Grewcock who has also parted company with the club.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tim Flowers has moved to First Division Stockport on a month's loan. The 34-year-old former England international handed in a transfer request earlier this season and has finally been given a chance for regular first-team football with the Edgeley Park side.
Flowers had taken temporary charge of Leicester, along with Garry Parker after Peter Taylor's sacking but the former Blackburn man has now followed Parker out of Filbert Street.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
