Cooper was dismissed after the Foxes' 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend, their fifth consecutive game in all competitions without a victory.

Van Nistelrooy most recently took interim charge of Manchester United after it parted ways with Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the season earlier this month.

The Dutchman won three of his four games at the helm, with two of those victories coming against Leicester in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.

Speaking to the club's website, Van Nistelrooy said: “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City football club is enthusiastic.

"They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive.

"I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.”

This is Van Nistelrooy's first full-time role since May 2023, when he spent one full season in charge of PSV.

During his time with the Eredivisie side, he won 33 of his 51 games in charge, averaging a win percentage of 64.71, while also scooping the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield.

Leicester travels to Brentford this weekend, with first-team coach Ben Dawson overseeing matchday duties ahead of Van Nistelrooy's arrival.

The Dutchman's first game in charge will be next Wednesday (AEDT), when the Foxes host fellow bottom-half side West Ham United at King Power Stadium in the Premier League.