David Moyes tried to sign Leicester City outcast Leonardo Ulloa for Sunderland in January – but Nigel Pearson could be key to any deal.
Nigel Pearson had a mixed time at Leicester City
Sunderland fans could be forgiven for feeling a little uneasy with reports in the Northern Echo stating that Nigel Pearson is firmly in contention to be appointed as the new manager at the Stadium of Light.
While some supporters may believe Pearson could replicate his success at Leicester City and drag Sunderland back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, recent and memorable calamities will raise concerns that the outspoken coach will instead set about burning bridges while accusing baffled reporters of being large flightless birds.
A controversial end to his King Power reign, coupled with a disastrous 14 game spell at Derby County last season, has certainly had a negative effect on Pearson’s reputation.
Yet, if he does bring his imitable brand of fighting spirit to Wearside after the anaemic reign of David Moyes, he could at least give Sunderland a timely boost in the transfer market.
‘Really likeable guy’
According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland had three bids rejected by Leicester City for Leonardo Ulloa in January. However, after starting just three Premier League games last season, it appears The Foxes will not stand in the Argentine’s way as he aims to kick-start his career elsewhere.
And the Stadium of Light could be the perfect destination. After all, Sunderland need a new goalscorer after the departure of Jermain Defoe and Ulloa is not short of Championship pedigree, netting 23 goals in two seasons for Brighton between 2012 and 2014.
Leonardo Ulloa (R) for Brighton
And it surely won’t have escaped Sunderland’s attention that Pearson was the man who gave Ulloa his chance at Leicester.
“He’s a quiet-ish sort of man, a really likeable guy,” Pearson told The Foxes’ official website of his tenacious targetman after a flying start to the 2014/15 season.
“He’s got off to an outstanding start in terms of goals return but also his all-round play has been excellent.”
A reunion at Sunderland would make sense for all involved.
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