Report: Ranieri pens Leicester extension

On the heels of a stunning and unexpected Premier League title, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri reportedly put pen to paper on an extension with the East Midlands side.

With less than a week until the reigning champ kicks off its title defence with a trip to Hull City, Ranieri reportedly signed a new long-term contract with the club, according to Sky Sports.

Ranieri, 64, signed a three-year deal when appointed by the club last summer as Nigel Pearson's replacement, and without a top-flight crown in 30 years of managing, expectations were low for the former defender.

Those expectations were eclipsed as "The Tinkerman" led the Foxes to an unprecedented maiden top-tier title, booking Champions League football while vaulting the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N'Golo Kante into the pantheon of the league's best.

It's expected that the contract will be finalised prior to Saturday's opener at the KC Stadium, with reports suggesting it's without a compensation clause in the event other clubs express interest in the Italian gaffer.

It's been quite the year for the tactically-astute Ranieri, who went from unpopular replacement for fiery fan favourite Pearson to Premier League champ and League Managers' Association medal winner.