Eriksson cools interest in Hargreaves

Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he has enquired about Owen Hargreaves – but any possible deal to sign the former Manchester United midfielder is “on ice”.

Hargreaves is a free agent after being released by the Premier League champions following an injury-plagued four years at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old has attempted to prove his fitness to prospective clubs by posting videos on the internet, but Eriksson wants more assurances.

Eriksson said: “Yes, in one way we have tried to contact him. I’ve spoken to the agent now. It depends totally on Owen – the ball is in his court.

“It’s difficult that he wants to come to the Championship and I am not sure he is 100 per cent fit, so right now it is on ice.

“I don’t even know if he is fit or if he wants to play but if he wants to speak to us, we are more than willing.”

The former England manager added: “I have always said if he is fit, Owen Hargreaves is a great player.”

Meanwhile, Tsepo Masilela’s agent has criticised Leicester after claiming the Championship club have pulled out of a deal to sign the South African defender.

“The medical was okay and we were just waiting for Leicester to offer a contract. But when Liverpool saw that Tsepo was going to sign, they reduced their price by 70% for Paul Konchesky,” Paschalis Tountouris said.

“The way they operated is totally unacceptable. Tsepo had his heart set on a move to England.”