Former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says he turned down the chance to manage the Algerian national team before the FAF appointed Spanish tactician Lucas Alcaraz.

Ranieri thinks he was recommended to the Algerian Federation by two of his former pupils Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.

''It's true that Algeria approached me. Maybe Mahrez and Slimani spoke highly of me to them. I'd be happy to work in England again. I am looking around, " Ranieri was quoted as saying by Leicester Mercury.

"I received various offers, including from national teams in Europe and beyond.

"I want to think carefully and choose the project that makes me most passionate."

According to the English Press, Ranieri would be tempted by a new experience in the Premier League, with Watford reportedly the front-runner for his services.

Igho Kingsley