The Thai owners of Leicester City caused a shock earlier this evening by sacking manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The Foxes currently sit 13th in the Championship table, just two points from the play-off positions.

Rumours are already circulating over who will take over the vacancy at the King Power Stadium, so with that in mind, Sports Mole assesses some of the early frontrunners.

Martin O'Neill

Easily the most popular candidate for all fans of Leicester is Martin O'Neill. However, whether the Irishman would be willing to return to a club that he managed for five years up until 2000 remains to be seen. The 59-year-old, who left Aston Villa last year, is believed to be keen on a return to the top flight, although an emotional return to former pastures could tempt him back.

Odds: 2/1

Mark Hughes

Smarting from recent comments made by Mohamed Al Fayed that questioned his ambition, Mark Hughes may well be willing to show the Fulham chairman what he is made of with the Foxes. Out of work since he quit the Whites in June, Hughes has been linked with a number of jobs at home and abroad. Many believe that the 49-year-old would drop down to the Championship if the right club makes an approach.

Odds: 6/1

Alan Shearer

If the Leicester board decide to opt for a young, inexperienced boss then Alan Shearer's phone could soon be ringing. The former England captain had a brief spell in charge of boyhood club Newcastle United in 2009, but he was unable to prevent the Magpies from being relegated to the Championship. Currently a pundit on Match of the Day, it would take an intriguing offer to tempt him away.

Odds: 8/1

Carlo Ancelotti

Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has recently declared his love for the English game, but does he love it enough to make a return to management in the Championship? The Italian is used to winning the Champions League and league titles, so it would be a shock if he opted to drop down to the madness of the Championship. Nonetheless, bookmakers currently believe that the 52-year-old would be interested in taking over at the King Power Stadium.

Odds: 8/1

Roy Keane

It seems that there isn't a managerial vacancy that Roy Keane doesn't get linked with at the moment. The former Manchester United captain was tipped to take over at Nottingham Forest before Steve Cotterill was eventually handed the role. The Irishman has made no secret of his wish to return to management in recent weeks. He has the track record that may impress the club's ambitious owners, having guided Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League in 2007.

Odds: 10/1