New Derby County boss Nigel Pearson is chasing Leicester City duo Matty James and Ritchie De Laet.

The Leicester Mercury says Pearson signed the duo for Leicester four years ago as a double deal from Manchester United.

De Laet made 12 Premier League appearances for City last season before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Middlesbrough.

James missed the entire season with a knee injury but was getting prepared for a return towards the end of the campaign.