Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson admits Jamie Vardy should be running around for Hull City.

Pearson knew Vardy when he was playing non-league in Sheffield for Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Sheffield-based Pearson revealed: “A friend had recommended Vardy to me when he was playing at Stocksbridge.

“So I was aware of him from those days and Steve Walsh – who headed up scouting for me and is still doing that at Leicester – kept tabs on him.

“When we were at Hull six years ago we wanted to sign him but a transfer embargo we had at the time prevented a £300,000 deal.

“And maybe that disappointment actually helped his career through acting as a spark to keep doing well.

“He knew that bigger clubs were interested in him and watching his performances. At Leicester, we eventually paid £1m for him in 2012 as Steve was always very keen on him."