Spanish visitors Real Valladolid are expected to offer a stern test to Leicester City tomorrow (3pm) because they are desperate to make amends for a disappointing end to their domestic campaign.

The Primera Liga club had at least a UEFA Cup place in sight until a winless run of 12 games left them in 15th spot.

Uefa-licensed agent Jonathan Hassall, who helped set up Valladolid's trip to Leicester, said: "It should be a good contest.

"It will be a long way from the blood-and-thunder of the Championship but it is a useful test for both sides.

"Valladolid are a strong side more than capable of holding their own in the Primera Liga although they don't really have any big stars.

"It will also be a good confidence booster for Leicester if they do well."

Valladolid manager Jose Luis Mendilibar has been busy in the transfer market to ensure there is no hangover from his side's disappointing conclusion to the season.

Valladolid, based in an historic city in central Spain, are one of the less wealthy clubs and have relied on loan signings rather than permanent captures.

But the purse strings have been loosened for Mendilibar in the summer and he said: "The fact that the club are now buying their own players shows that we have grown."

Mendilibar's two major captures have been Real Madrid's Alberto Bueno, a Spanish under-21 international, and Manucho from Manchester United.

Despite hardly featuring at Old Trafford, Manucho believes he is a better player for the experience.

He said: "People will say I did not do well at Manchester, but, for me, I learned a lot from very great players. It was not easy to get in the first team of the best team in the world but what was easy was to learn with them," said the player, who made just three substitute appearances for the club.

The Angola international was a surprise acquisition because he was largely unknown in Europe and was subsequently loaned out to Panathinaikos and Hull City during his 18 months at Old Trafford.

Valladolid have also signed Hector Font from Villarreal, Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid and Fabricio from Deportivo.

The match kicks-off at 3pm and is preceded by City's family fun day which runs from noon and includes a variety of games, a penalty shoot-out and a bungee run. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults (£10 for adult season-ticket holders), £5 for under-18s and £2 for under-12s.