EDDIE Howe believes Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri is a shoo-in to take over his mantle as League Managers’ Association manager of the year.

Howe won the award 12 months ago, as well as the Championship equivalent, after guiding Cherries to the top flight for the first time in club history.

Ranieri has stunned the football world by steering unfancied Leicester to the Premier League title with two games to spare. Tottenham's draw at Chelsea on Monday ensured the Foxes topped the standings.

Asked if he felt he would be handing the mantle to the Italian, Howe joked: “If I’m not, I think there’s something wrong!”

He added: “There is only one winner. Don’t get me wrong, there are some other managers who have had unbelievable seasons – there is Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and you could go on through the leagues.

“But there is only one story and that is Claudio Ranieri and Leicester – their story has been remarkable. The way he has conducted himself has been really refreshing. He is a nice man and it’s great to see a nice guy win.”

In earning the manager-of the-year gong last year, Howe became the first boss outside the top flight to secure the award since Steve Coppell, then of Reading, in 2006.