Nigel Pearson was sacked by Leicester on Tuesday

Nigel Pearson's future as Leicester City manager seemed assured after he guided them to safety from what looked looked like certain Premier League relegation.

A run of seven wins and one draw from the Foxes' last nine games swept away the turbulence of a season that saw Pearson row with a Leicester fan in the home loss to Liverpool, throttle Crystal Palace's James McArthur after a touchline collision and infamously describe a journalist as "an ostrich" after a home defeat by Chelsea.

Pearson, however, was sacked on Tuesday and it seems the breaking point was his son James's involvement in a racist sex tape made in Leicester's owners' homeland of Thailand, for which the player was dismissed.

So who will take over from Pearson after he ensured top-flight football at the King Power Stadium next season?

Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche has been the manager of Burnley since 2012 after he was dismissed by Watford

Dyche enhanced his reputation despite Burnley's relegation last season, getting the best out of his players and producing a side that was organised, disciplined and had great spirit.

Let down by a lack of goals, Dyche remains a hugely popular figure at Turf Moor and his approach is highly regarded within the game.

He has formed a close attachment to Burnley having taken them into the Premier League initially and would need a lot of persuading to leave a superbly run club who allow him to do his job as he likes it.

Dyche is sure to attract admirers, though, and the prospect of a return to the Premier League may yet be tempting.

Chance: 7/10

David Moyes

Moyes seems sure to return to the Premier League at some stage but is clearly enjoying life with La Liga side Real Sociedad, where he is well-respected, and looks a world away from the haunted figure of his final days before his sacking by Manchester United.

The Scot has been linked with West Ham United, Newcastle United and Sunderland before their vacancies were filled and he may feel he might get bigger than Leicester City should he bide his time and continue to rebuild his reputation in San Sebastian.

Leicester's owners are ambitious, however, and it would not be a surprise if they at least asked the question.

Chance: 5

Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon made 170 appearances as a player for Leicester after signing a contract in 1996

Lennon is a legendary figure at Leicester City for his fiery, combative midfield approach in the successful days of the Martin O'Neill era, when the club won the League Cup twice.

He was a huge success at Celtic, both as player and manager, most notably when they recorded a magnificent Champions League win over Barcelona at Parkhead.

Lennon did a steady job at Bolton Wanderers last season but has always been ambitious to work in the Premier League. A strong candidate and an appointment that would go down very well with Leicester's fans.

Chance: 8

Sam Allardyce

Sam Allardyce guided West Ham to Europa League qualification but left at the end of last season

Allardyce remains an unloved figure among fans but study his body of work and this is a manager who gets the job done and is virtually a guarantee of Premier League security. Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers were both left regretting his departure.

He did exactly what he was asked to do at West Ham - got them up into the Premier League and established them there before the move to the Olympic Stadium.

Allardyce was very firm about taking a break from the game on the day he left West Ham, insisting batteries needed to be recharged. Remains to be seen if he can be persuaded otherwise - or even if he figures on Leicester's wanted list.

What you see is what you get. It suits some and not others but he may not be interested even if Leicester make a move.

Chance: 5

Harry Redknapp

Redknapp has declared himself ready to return to management after leaving QPR to have knee surgery and was a target for the Foxes two years ago.

A lot has passed since then and at 68 may be regarded as a little too senior to take charge. He would certainly enjoy the owners' ambition.

Now as Leicester are safe in the Premier League, they may prefer a younger target.

Chance: 4

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill previously managed Leicester for five years from 1995

Still loved by Leicester City's fans for winning promotion to the Premier League and two League Cups in a wonderful Filbert Street era, O'Neill is now manager of the Republic Of Ireland as they battle to qualify for Euro 2016.

He is still full of energy at 63 and may feel he has unfinished business after what he regarded as a harsh sacking at Sunderland in March 2013. The fire still seems to be burning.

As with Lennon, would be a popular appointment as replacement for Pearson but is this purely one for the romantics? All depends on the profile required by Leicester's owners.

Chance: 6

Guus Hiddink

If Leicester's owners are seeking a manager with a worldwide profile, then Hiddink fits the bill as he prepares to step down as coach of the Netherlands.

Hiddink's stock is not as high as it once was, though, and he struggled in this latest spell in charge of the Dutch, stepping down after only 10 months in charge.

He may be past his prime at 68 and unsuited to the day-to-day rigours of Premier League football despite his past successes and an excellent short spell at Chelsea. Still counts as a big name in the game.

Chance: 4

Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup managed Swansea City in the Premier League between 2012 and 2014

Another figure with a global profile and was a major success in his first season at Swansea City, where he won the League Cup. His career in South Wales then suffered a significant slump and he was sacked.

His last job was in Qatar with Lekhwiya but whether Leicester would fit the bill as the big club he would want to manage in the Premier League or La Liga remains to be seen. Also his reputation was hit by the rapid way his reign went into decline at Swansea.

Chance: 5

Patrick Vieira

The former France midfielder is forging a fine reputation as head of Manchester City's elite development squad and Newcastle United flirted with the idea of moving for Vieira before eventually settling on Steve McClaren.

Regarded as ideal future management material but it again depends on whether Leicester see him as right for them and vice-versa.

A certain manager of the future - maybe not just yet.

Chance: 5

Esteban Cambiasso

Esteban Cambiasso made 31 appearances for Leicester last season and scored five goals

An outsider but the 34-year-old Argentine was acknowledged as a figure of massive influence on and off the field at Leicester City last season - could he be persuaded to take the managerial role?

Cambiasso was Leicester's player of the year and has a wealth of experience after a glittering career at giants such as Real Madrid and Inter Milan before excelling at the King Power Stadium last season.

It would be a big gamble but he would be well received by Leicester's fans.

Chance: 6