Sunderland 'make contact with Nigel Pearson'

Sunderland have reportedly approached former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson regarding their managerial vacancy.

The Black Cats are currently looking for their sixth boss in four years after Dick Advocaat stepped down on Sunday.

Pearson is out of work after leaving Leicester in the summer, despite instigating a dramatic turnaround in the team's fortunes at the back end of last season to keep them in the Premier League.

According to The Telegraph, Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton has made contact with Pearson to discover if he would be interested in succeeding Advocaat at the Stadium of Light.

Aside from two spells at Leicester, the 52-year-old has also managed Carlisle United, Southampton and Hull City during his career.

Former West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce and Real Sociedad boss David Moyes have also been linked with the role.