Martin O'Neill has ruled out a return to Leicester City following the recent sacking of Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The Northern Irishman was the bookmakers' favourite to become the new Foxes boss after spending five successful years at the club from 1995 to 2000.
However, the former Aston Villa boss does not want to return as he is reportedly holding out for a job in the Premier League.
Furthermore, it is understood that he is reluctant to return to Leicester and tarnish the fine work that saw him win the League Cup twice.
"I have to open my mind now. It is not just what the news or fans want," said Aiyawatt Raksriaksorn, the Leicester vice-chairman.
"I have to listen to everyone and make a decision very carefully. The next manager should be taking us to the Premier League and I think he has to know this league because it's very tough, very tight."
O'Neill has been out of a job since leaving Aston Villa at the start of the 2010/11 season.
Mark Hughes, Roy Keane and Paul Ince are amongst several other leading contenders for the vacant Leicester position.
