Leicester cool interest in Owen Hargreaves

Hargreaves is a free agent having been released by United (GETTY IMAGES)

Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he has enquired about Owen Hargreaves - but any possible deal to sign the former Manchester United midfielder is "on ice".

Hargreaves is a free agent after being released by the Barclays Premier League champions following an injury-plagued four years at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old has attempted to prove his fitness to prospective clubs by posting videos on the internet, but Eriksson wants more assurances.

Speaking in Sweden on Leicester's pre-season tour, Eriksson said: "Yes, in one way we have tried to contact him. I've spoken to the agent now. It depends totally on Owen - the ball is in his court.

"It is difficult that he wants to come to the Championship and I am not sure he is 100% fit at the moment, so right now it is on ice.

"I don't even know if he is fit or if he wants to play but if he wants to speak to us, we are more than willing."

The former England manager added: "I have always said if he is fit, Owen Hargreaves is a great player."

West Brom have also been linked with Hargreaves, who made just 39 appearances for United following his £17million move from Bayern Munich in 2007.