Leicester City are ready to seek a Premier League manager to replace Nigel Pearson.

The People says Pearson is under pressure after a dismal run of results which has threatened their place in the Championship play-offs. Mark Hughes and Martin O'Neill have emerged as leading contenders should Pearson go.

Hughes, who has also been linked with replacing Neil Warnock at Leeds, has been out of work since he was sacked by Queens Park Rangers last November.

O'Neill made it clear last week that he wants to come back into football. He was sacked by Sunderland eight days ago following the 1-0 home defeat by Manchester United.