Leicester Merc says:
MASSIVE TASK
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BY BILL ANDERSON
10:33 - 17 May 2004
Micky Adams returned to work today armed with his Leicester City retained list to start what he calls "a massive rebuilding job".
The City manager has already discarded Andrew Impey, Nicolas Priet and Alan Rogers, and could lose Paul Dickov, Riccardo Scimeca and Nikos Dabizas who have options to leave in the wake of relegation.
Muzzy Izzet will go on a Bosman free transfer and there is a question mark over Marcus Bent, who has been on loan from Ipswich, so there is no doubt the City manager is poised for a major reconstruction of his squad.
The word is that Dickov and Dabizas are likely to stay, and Les Ferdinand has said he wants another spell at City after his knee operation.
But terms have ended for Steffen Freund and Steve Guppy, and senior men Frank Sinclair, Billy McKinlay and Callum Davidson are also out of contract.
Adams, who was scouting in Holland yesterday, says anyone leaving will be replaced, even though his budget is limited after relegation and the last thing the club want to do is overspend just as they have managed to get back on an even keel.
Bent is one of those who has impressed enough for Adams to want him to stay but his form suggests he could be a target for several clubs after Ipswich said he could leave on a free.
Terms are the key to City's chances but Bent would be happy to stay if something can be worked out.
He said: "I've enjoyed my time here. Micky Adams gave me the chance to play in the Premiership, but I really want to play there again.
"If nothing comes up and Leicester offer me something, we would take it from there.
"It is not an easy decision. I came here to play in the Premiership and I feel I have been more consistent here than I have been other places.
"I am not saying Leicester would be second choice, I am just saying I have a family and a career and I have to look at that."
Bent, Dickov and Scimeca, have been told that they will receive offers, although City have to compete for their services on a limited budget.
That budget will be affected by the retained list because Adams has to gauge how he can cut wages to release cash for new faces.