Nigel Pearson to Sunderland: Black Cats contact former Leicester City boss to replace Dick Advocaat

The 52-year-old is believed to be eager to return to management

Sunderland have approached former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson to become their new manager.

The 52-year-old, who is keen to return to management following his dismissal from the King Power Stadium, has been contacted by Black Cats' sporting director Lee Congerton, according to The Telegraph.

Although he is not the only candidate to replace Dick Advocaat at the Stadium of Light, Pearson is thought to be the front runner for the post.

Other contenders, including Real Sociedad manager David Moyes, Burnley chief Sean Dyche and former West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce, have reportedly turned down the chance to take charge of the Premier League strugglers.

Last season, Pearson remarkably guided his Leicester side away from the relegation zone, claiming seven wins in his last nine games. The Foxes had won just four of their previous 29 league fixtures.

Despite avoiding the drop, Pearson was relieved of his duties by Leicester in June following a string of controversial incidents.

A month prior to his dismissal, his son James, a player at the club, and two youth team footballers were sacked after they appeared in a sex tape using racist language.

Congerton is carrying out Sunderland's search for a new manager despite handing in his notice at the weekend but it is believed that the club will not rush into an appointment.

A new manager is expected to be in place before the Wearsiders travel to West Bromwich Albion on 17 October.