Leicester City proved back in February that sentiment and loyalty in football no longer exists by unceremoniously sacking Claudio Ranieri, the man who achieved the unthinkable by masterminding the club’s stunning Premier League title triumph less than a year earlier.Subsequently, Ranieri’s replacement, Craig Shakespeare, could hardly act surprised when he was informed this morning that he’d been relieved of his duties following Monday night’s 1-1 draw at home to West Brom.That result leaves the Foxes 18th in the Premier League table, with just six points from their opening eight matches.Shakespeare, who signed a three-year contract with Leicester in the summer, made a huge impact at the King Power Stadium when he took over from Ranieri towards the back-end of last season.Leicester were in serious danger of suffering a humiliating relegation in the season directly after winning the league but, under Shakespeare’s management, the club finished the campaign 12th in the table.They also reached the Champions League quarter-finals.However, an underwhelming 1-1 draw against the Baggies has proven to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.The club’s owners clearly feel that Shakespeare is not the man to turn around the team’s fortunes.

Leicester players first heard the news online

According to the Telegraph, Leicester’s players only found out about their manager’s sacking when the story broke on the Daily Mail website.

Michael Appleton, Shakespeare’s assistant, will take charge of the team against Swansea City on Saturday.

The bookmakers' favourites to replace Shakespeare

So, who are the leading candidates to replace the 53-year-old?

The bookmakers have Sam Allardyce priced as the firm favourite, followed by Chris Coleman, Roberto Mancini, Alan Pardew and Appleton.

The big name coach Leicester want is surprising

However, the Telegraph understand that Srivaddhanaprabha family, and owner Vichai, want a big name coach to replace Shakespeare and have identified Carlo Ancelotti - yep, Carlo Ancelotti - as a potential replacement.

The revered Italian coach is currently out of work after being sacked by Bayern Munich last month.

Twitter reaction to the news Leicester want Ancelotti

Here’s how Twitter has reacted to news that Leicester are interested in Ancelotti…

Meanwhile, you can see how Jamie Carragher has reacted to the news by clicking HERE.

Who will replace Craig Shakespeare at the King Power Stadium? Have your say by leaving a comment below.