Ruud van Nistelrooy makes stance clear on Leicester’s possible transfer failure

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is ready to make do with his current squad if the club do fail to bring in new recruits – despite being given assurances over the transfer situation

Ruud van Nistelrooy insisted he will focus on the players he already has if his Leicester bosses renege on a promise to strengthen his squad.

The Foxes slumped to their eighth defeat in nine games after conceding twice in the first six minutes and remain mired in the relegation fight.

Van Nistelrooy was given assurances that he would be backed during the transfer window and there has been increasing speculation that he could walk out if he feels guarantees haven’t been kept.

Van Nistelrooy said: “It is about getting more from these players. They are better than the performance they gave today, so improving them and our consistency is the focus. The focus is on this squad. That is what I believe in and what we are working on. Any other situation is a bonus.

“I see this game as a disappointing one – but also as a one-off. Our performances in the last few games were different. We will go back to work next week.”

Everton lifted themselves 10 points clear of the drop zone with their third successive win. Manager David Moyes hopes to add more firepower to his squad before Monday night’s deadline, with a loan deal for Flamengo striker Charly Alvarez drawing closer if the Toffees accept an option to buy at the end of the season.

Moyes said: “I am hearing there are ongoing conversations at the moment. I don’t think there is anything confirmed or definite – or not done. I might find out some more later, but we are trying to add some bodies to what we’ve got.

“I wish we were 10 points clear at the top of the league. We can’t relax until we are in a strong position. Let’s see if we can start climbing the league – but the job is to see we are still a Premier League team.”

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