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.

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Tsepo Masilela's agent has criticised Leicester after claiming the npower Championship club have pulled out of a deal to sign the South African defender.

Paschalis Tountouris, Masilela's representative, believes Leicester's lack of patience over a work permit and the availability of Paul Konchesky, who joined City on a three-year deal from Liverpool on Wednesday, are the reasons behind a proposed deal hitting the buffers.

Masilela was set to sign on a season-long loan from Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa.

"The medical was okay and we were just waiting for Leicester to offer a contract. But when Liverpool saw that Tsepo was going to sign, they reduced their price by 70% for Konchesky," Tountouris told skysports.com.

"The way they operated is totally unacceptable. Tsepo had his heart set on a move to England.

"But Konchesky doesn't need a work permit, which was going to take 20 days for Tsepo. He is experienced in England and Eriksson knows him much better.

"This is unfortunately the situation, but I don't think Leicester have dealt with this issue in the proper way.

"Life goes on and he will go back to Maccabi Haifa for now. I'm sure he will get a chance at another European club."