Nigel Pearson has been approached by Sunderland to fill their managerial vacancy following the resignation of Dick Advocaat on Sunday afternoon.

The former Leicester City boss has been without a club after being sacked in June and the Wearsiders are keen to bring Pearson on board over the international break.

The 52-year-old does have the credentials the club are looking for, he presided over Leicester's remarkable relegation escape at the end of last season, when they won seven of their final nine games.

Sunderland's departing sporting director, Lee Congerton, has made contact with Pearson according to reports today and American owner Ellis Short is pushing to get a new manager in as soon as possible.

Other names in consideration are Sam Allardyce, whom Short has expressed an interest in working with, as well as Burnley boss Sean Dyche.

Former Manchester United David Moyes has ruled himself out of the running, as he continues to  rebuild his reputation with Spanish side Real Sociedad.

It is unlikely that Congerton will make a move for Brendan Rodgers, despite his connections with him from their time at Chelsea.