SAVAGE IN BETIS LINK

Reports in the English media suggest that the Welsh international is wanted by coach Luis del Sol at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera, as his tigerish qualities have impressed officials from the Seville-based outfit.

Any deal would depend upon Betis obtaining promotion back to the top flight, they currently lie in second place behind rivals Sevilla, as they would look to re-establish themselves amongst Spain's elite.

Whether Peter Taylor would entertain the prospect of losing such an influential figure, particularly in view of the impact that Neil Lennon's switch to Celtic has had on The Foxes, is another matter altogether.

The former Gillingham boss has received criticism from some sections of the Filbert Street crowd after a slump in form, which has included a shock home defeat to Wycombe in the FA Cup, and he will want to hang onto his all-action firebrand.

"We had a great start to the season," commented former Manchester United man Savage. "We were top and got to the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

"Everyone thought the gaffer was the best thing since sliced bread.

"With seven defeats in a row, some of the fans are not happy but it's the players who have to do a job and we're not doing it at the moment."

The 26-year-old only signed a new four-year deal with City last October, expressing his happiness at committing his future to the club.

Suggestions that Savage would need to see the barber of Seville if he signed for Betis could be wide of the mark!