Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has admitted that some members of his first-team squad may leave the club in January in search of regular football.

The Foxes are joint-top of the Premier League table, behind Manchester City only on goal difference after 14 matches, form which has seen the Italian keep faith with many of his first-choice players throughout the start to the season.

Although Ranieri developed the nickname 'the Tinkerman' during his time at Chelsea for continually altering his starting XI, he revealed that he would be willing to let some fringe players go in search of more playing time in January if they request a move.

"It is difficult, the players must understand that I can only choose the first XI," he told The Sun. "Why change when the first XI are playing well and link together?

"The players think, 'Why don't I play? I am working well. What can I do better to go on the team?' But the manager has to choose who will link. There are different jobs. In my career I can say who plays.

"I do not want a player who is not playing to be happy. That is stupid. You have to fight. You have to be ready when I give you an opportunity to play. It is important that you understand my philosophy. Maybe when you are unhappy, you come to me, there is a window and you say, 'I am sorry I want to play, can I go?' If somebody comes to me and says coach I want to play, we can open our little window if it is convenient for us."

Players such as Andrej Kramaric and summer signing Gokhan Inler have failed to hold down a regular spot in Ranieri's side so far this season.