LEICESTER: Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has been rewarded with an extended new contract for leading the club to a stunning Premier League title last season.

Leicester said Wednesday on its website the 64-year-Italian signed a deal through June 2020, adding two years to his current contract.

Ranieri was hired last year when Leicester was 5,000-1 to win the league, and avoiding relegation seemed the priority.

Instead, Ranieri guided the club to its first top-tier title by 10 points and a place in the Champions League.

Ranieri says: "From the moment I talked to the owners about their vision for Leicester City, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of for a long time."

Leicester is now 33-1 to retain its title and begins Saturday at newly promoted Hull.