Izzet’s midfield partner Robbie Savage has also indicated that he wants to remain in the top flight next season and goalkeeper Ian Walker has admitted City’s desperate plight could affect his England chances.

But in any case Bassett is aware he will have to let players go in the summer to reduce the wage bill if Leicester are facing Division One football in their new 32,000-seater stadium in 2002-03.

Bassett said: ‘‘If you get relegated, it is inevitable that players will want to go because they want to play in the Premiership. I’d be the same if I was still playing.

‘‘There’s nothing wrong with that providing the players continue to give everything until things are sorted out and the clubs involved pay the proper fee.’’