Tigers chief Pearson looks all set for Leicester return

The Yorkshire Post understands Pearson is moving closer to a return to Leicester City, from where he joined Hull in the summer of 2010.

Neither Hull nor Leicester have made an official comment but it is believed Pearson could soon be unveiled as the Foxes’ new chief.

It would be a big setback for the East Yorkshire club, whom Pearson has guided to ninth in the Championship – just one point outside the play-offs with a game in hand.

Although Hull rejected an initial approach from Leicester at the weekend, it is understood events have taken a fresh twist.

Sources in Leicester claim Pearson has spoken to Leicester’s representatives and that a return may well be imminent.

It would leave Hull facing a desperate search for a new manager at a crucial time in the run-up towards Christmas.

Although the club could receive around £400,000 compensation, with Pearson having 20 months left on his contract, it would upset their plans to return to the top flight and they are keen for Pearson to finish the job he has started.

The 48-year-old is widely regarded as one of English football’s leading managers and he has done a good job of stabilising Hull following Premier League relegation in 2010.

Pearson guided them to 11th place last season and has constructed a squad capable of mounting a promotion challenge.

But now he is the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at Leicester following the departure last month of former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

Other names previously linked with the job at the King Power Stadium, including Huddersfield Town chief Lee Clark, could potentially feature in the betting for any vacancy at Hull, although Clark recently reiterated his total commitment to the League One club.

Pearson left Leicester under something of a cloud last time following a strained relationship with former owner Milan Mandaric.

However, with a new board in place and money to spend in the January transfer window, he would view the opportunity to return as unfinished business and a potentially better chance to manage in the Premier League.

Leicester are 12th in the Championship, two points behind Hull, and well-placed to mount their own promotion challenge backed by significant funds and a vibrant new manager.

Pearson would also have the advantage of knowing half the squad and most of the backroom staff and could hit the ground running.

In addition to the emotional ties forged during his two-year stint at the Leicester helm, Pearson could also expect a much bigger salary.

Money is no object to the club’s Thai owners, who are prepared to give him their total backing.

Pearson has so far passed up the chance to rule out a return to Leicester and offered no assurances he would stay as Hull City manager when questioned on the subject at the weekend.

But it would still be a wrench for him to leave Yorkshire.

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United, Pearson said of the Leicester link: “Why should I comment on that? I don’t see the need to at this moment in time.”

Pearson added that he was not in the business of seeking any reassurances from people about his own position.

“I don’t ask for reassurance when people are having a moan about me,” he added. “I’ve been here for 15, 16 months now and I’ve had sticky spells. When we’ve gone through bad spells I don’t go bleating to people to say give me time.

“I’ll do my job the way I do it so now that speculation is in the way, why do I feel the need to do anything other than what I’m doing? I do my job; I do my job full stop.

“If people think I’m not good enough, fine. If people think I’m good enough, fine. I’m not bothered, I’ll do my job.”

Mike Stowell, Leicester’s joint caretaker manager, previously worked with Pearson at Leicester, serving as goalkeeping coach.

“I don’t want to get into talking about possible managers,” said Stowell. “Nigel would not want people speculating about him as he is in a job and doing a very good one.

“He’s a very good manager and an excellent bloke, but he is in a job.”

Pearson, who won the League Cup with Sheffield Wednesday as a player, enjoyed two highly successful seasons as Leicester manager. He led them to the League One title in 2008-09 before taking the club to the Championship play-offs the following term.