LEICESTER City boss Brendan Rodgers insisted this part of the season is “tricky” due to speculation and unrest, ahead of facing Saints on Saturday.

Rodgers also says there have been no fresh bids for any other players and without any sales he is unable to bring in any reinforcements.

Having taken one point from their opening two games, the former Liverpool and Celtic boss admits it is a testing time, while he has not made a single addition to his squad this summer.

“There is no denying it, any manager will tell you it’s always a tricky period, your season has started, you’re trying to get focused,” Rodgers said.

“You spend summer creating this really powerful collective unit to see you through the season and then through this period there’s speculation.

“You have to remember these are very young guys, for some of them it’s the first time they’ve experienced these situations.

“There can always be disruption but the idea is to keep the group focused. The minute the window shuts it all ends but while we’re in this period it’s challenging.

“Every manager would want to strengthen and I’m no different to the others but if we are unable to do it…concentrate on what you have.

“I have some fantastic players here, a wonderful group,. If we can keep them fit and get luck with injuries I still think we can have a really good season.”

There were reports that 21-year-old Wesley Fofana had asked Leicester to accept a lower fee offer while Rodgers has denied the player handed in a transfer request.

The young French defender is subject to interest from the likes of Chelsea, and his saga could have been causing further disruption in the dressing room.

However, asked to clear up the speculation, the boss added: “Yes, I can, he hasn’t. He’s a great kid. He’s loved by his team-mates.

“He’s a great personality. He’s still developing. He’s nowhere near the finished article.

“We’ve spoken numbers of times about the whole situation and of course a private conversation. Our communication is normal, and we just continue to prepare for the games.

“It’s a challenge for any player and for clubs around this time when the window is open, and there’s lots of speculation and lots of noise that goes on with it, and especially for a young player – 21 – all the speculation that has surrounded it.

“That’s why we’re here, to help and educate him in dealing with all these rumours. The focus is very much on the team and getting them ready for the weekend.”

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