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Ranieri doesn't think Leicester can retain title next season

Darren Staples / Reuters

Claudio Ranieri's unforeseen guidance of Leicester City to the Premier League title was with a team boasting a lung-bursting work ethic and tight team spirit.

For this reason, the Italian will only entertain purchasing players with the "same mentality" as the Foxes enter uncharted territory next season in defending its English league crown and competing in the Champions League.

The 64-year-old took on training Tuesday for the first time as a league-winning manager.

When asked if Leicester could win back-to-back titles, Ranieri said, "I think no, but we want to continue to build," according to Sky Sports.

"When I came here the objective was to create a solid foundation and build together. This season is out of our project but our foundations are very solid and we want to do our best."

The achievements of certain Leicester players have unsurprisingly attracted the attentions some of Europe's biggest outfits. Midfield livewire N'Golo Kante didn't vehemently quash his link to Serie A champion Juventus in March, while Riyad Mahrez has turned heads at his boyhood team Barcelona and Premier League rival Arsenal.

"We don't want to sell anybody. If some player doesn't want to stay with us I don't want unhappy people," Ranieri continued.

"We are looking to add to the team but with the same mentality. Who comes must know we are working hard."

The veteran gaffer has often been seen around Leicester enjoying its local eateries and meeting with supporters, and he has a message for his new followers in the east Midlands and beyond.

"My message to the fans is now to keep going, we want to improve a lot."

Leicester captain Wes Morgan will lift the Premier League trophy Saturday after the visit of Everton.

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