Nigel Pearson is out of work again after leaving Derby

Nigel Pearson has emerged as the favourite to become the next Leicester manager after the sacking of Claudio Ranieri last week.

The Foxes are searching for a new manager following the removal of Ranieri just nine months on from winning the Premier League title against all odds.

Roberto Mancini was the early front-runner to replace his compatriot but Sky sources understand he has no desire to speak with the club where he ended his playing career.

Pearson has since been installed as the 4/5 favourite in Sky Bet's next Leicester manager market, with the bookmaker reporting a surge of overnight backing on Monday morning.

The 53-year-old left the Foxes in controversial circumstances at the end of the 2014/15 campaign, having clashed with fans, an opposition player and the media during a remarkable battle against relegation, which saw them defy the drop with seven wins from their last 10 games.

Ray Wilkins and Frank Sinclair back Craig Shakespeare to replace Ranieri as Leicester manager Ray Wilkins and Frank Sinclair back Craig Shakespeare to replace Ranieri as Leicester manager

The club's board said their relationship with Pearson, who also led them to promotion, was "no long viable".

However, he is now favourite for the post with the bookmakers, followed by former England boss Roy Hodgson (6/1) and caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare (7/1).

Shakespeare will have the chance the enhance his credentials when he takes charge on Monday Night Football's clash with Liverpool, live on Sky Sports 1HD from 7pm.

Guus Hiddink (10/1) and Alan Pardew (16/1) have also been linked with the job, while Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has refuted suggestions he could return for a second spell.

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