Leicester have sacked boss Paulo Sousa just three months into the new Championship season, with Mike Stowell and Chris Powell taking the reins.

The Foxes only appointed the former Swansea City boss in July after losing former manager Nigel Pearson to rivals Hull City.

The move is even more surprising as the announcement comes just a day after chairman Milan Mandaric called for calm and support for Sousa.

However, despite being just nine games into the new campaign, Sousa has departed after securing just one Championship success.

Leicester suffered a 4-3 league defeat to Norwich on Tuesday - and that was on the back of a 6-1 thrashing by Portsmouth at the weekend.

A club statement read: "The decision has been taken as a result of the club's poor run of results this season.

Report: Sven to replace sacked Sousa

"The club would like to state that Paulo Sousa is a first-class individual, but that this decision has been taken in the best interests of the club and our ambitions to move up the npower Championship.

"The search for a new manager begins immediately and the club anticipates a quick appointment."

Sky Sports sources understand that ex-boss Martin O'Neill and one-time England head coach Sven Goran Eriksson have already held talks.

Leicester have confirmed that goalkeeping coach Stowell and coach Powell will take temporary charge of first-team affairs.

The struggling Foxes entertain Scunthorpe in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.