Izzet stays a Fox

Izzet: Delighted to be staying with the Foxes

Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet will sign a new four-year contract, ending speculation that he was about to leave Filbert Street.

The former Chelsea midfielder had one year left on his current deal and there was speculation linking him with a move away from the Foxes.

He has given new manager Peter Taylor a massive boost by pledging his future to City until the summer of 2004.

Izzet said: "It means a great deal to me. I've got a lot of friends here and said all along I wasn't counting on leaving.

"I'm very settled here, all it was was sorting out the right contract.

"The future looks very bright for Leicester and I'm just looking forward to being part of it."

Manager Peter Taylor said: "Muzzy's very happy and I think we're all looking forward to the season."

Izzet joined City five years ago and was a key figure in their success under previous boss Martin O'Neill, forging an effective midfield partnership with Neil Lennon and Robbie Savage.

The 25-year-old, who found the net nine times last season, never received any England recognition and decided instead to pledge his international future to Turkey.

He made his debut for the land of his father at Euro 2000.