According to press reports £1.6 million bid has been accepted for Chelsea skipper Dennis Wise, with him agreeing terms with City chairman John Elsom in Peter Taylor's absence.

Although Wise must now pass a medical, the 34-year-old looks set to become Peter Taylor's first signing of the summer with Filbert Street's faithful fans hoping that he will be the first of many.

Wise was heavily linked with Watford after Gianluca Vialli took over there but it is believed that Wise was keen to continue playing in the Premiership.

It brings to a close Wise's 11 year association with Chelsea, a club where he collected five winners' medals; two in the FA Cup, and one each in the League, European Cup Winners' and European Super Cups.

Making a statement while on holiday City boss Peter Taylor said, "Dennis is the kind of player that we could do with. He is a winner and will be a great asset.

"There were times with us last season when maybe there weren't enough leaders on the pitch. Dennis is a leader and is still hungry to do well."

But there are already doubts as to how some of the rest of the players will take the news and it is thought that the news of the signing could cause friction, especially with current skipper Matt Elliott.

It is accepted that Taylor is a long-standing admirer of Wise's leadership skills and, despite his age, will see this as a positive addition to the Foxes' midfield which has given rise to rumours that he could take the Captains arm band from Elliott.

City have scheduled a press conference for Thursday to allow Peter Taylor enough time to return from his Spanish holiday..