Fulham have sacked manager Slavisa Jokanovic and replaced him with Claudio Ranieri, who guided Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016.

Jokanovic makes way with the Cottagers sitting bottom of the Premier League table with five points from 12 matches.

Italian Ranieri, 67, has been given a “multi-year” contract by the Londoners.

“Making a change without having the right answer or succession plan was not an option,” said Fulham chairman Shahid Khan.

“It is an honour to accept Mr Khan’s invitation and opportunity to lead Fulham, a fantastic club with tradition and history,” said Ranieri, who spent last season in charge of French club Nantes.

“The objective at Fulham should never be to merely survive in the Premier League. We must at all times be a difficult opponent and should expect to succeed.

“This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table.”

Ranieri’s first game in charge will see Fulham host Southampton at Craven Cottage on Saturday, 24 November.

“I know this team is very capable of better performances, which we will work on straight away as we prepare for Southampton at the Cottage,” he added.- BBC