Claudio Ranieri insists he would love to remain as manager of Leicester City for 'a long time'.

The Italian has done a remarkable job in his debut season at the King Power Stadium, guiding the Foxes to the top of the Premier League table, and on the brink of an unlikely title.

Ranieri, who is being touted as Antonio Conte's successor for the Italian national team job, signed a three-year deal when he replaced Nigel Pearson in the summer and has now expressed his desire to stay longer if owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is happy to continue as is.

"No team can change my mind. I am very proud if they are thinking about me in Italy and everywhere but this is my club," said Ranieri.

"I want to stay here, if my owner is happy I stay here. There is nothing to change my mind.

"There are a lot of things to do here. We are just starting to build. If the owner is happy with me, I am happy with him. If it's possible I would like to stay a long time."

Leicester sit five points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.