Former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Vitor Pereira has emerged as a possible contender for the vacant Leicester City managerial role, according to the Express & Star.
Leicester’s life back in the Championship has been far from straightforward. Restricted by financial limits, the club turned to former QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes in an attempt to steady the ship. That appointment failed to spark a revival, with Cifuentes unable to get consistent performances from a squad still adjusting to relegation, and he was dismissed earlier this month.
With the Foxes stuck in mid-table and well short of expectations, the search for a new manager is gathering pace. Pereira is now reported to be among those under consideration. The 57-year-old Portuguese coach has been out of work since leaving Wolves earlier in the campaign, having previously played a key role in keeping them in the Premier League last season.
Leicester are in need of an experienced hand to arrest their slide and inject some momentum into the run-in. Pereira could be seen as a short-term solution who might stabilise results before a more thorough rebuild in the summer. Despite the disappointment of the Cifuentes spell, the Leicester job continues to attract interest.
Former Rangers and Southampton manager Russell Martin is believed to be keen, while Gary Rowett and Chris Coleman have also been linked with the position. All three remain in the frame as the club weigh up their next move.
The Foxes’ decline from Premier League regulars has been gradual, but the struggles of the past two seasons have left the club craving continuity and clear direction. While Pereira is not known for long stays, his man-management skills and popularity with players at Wolves suggest he could help restore some positivity around the King Power Stadium.
Leicester currently sit 14th in the Championship and face a demanding run of fixtures under interim boss Andy King, who has stepped into coaching after a long playing career with the club.
Charlton Athletic visit this weekend as they battle relegation, followed by a meeting with Southampton, another side searching for stability after dropping out of the top flight. The two teams then meet again in the FA Cup, before Leicester travel to face Stoke City and Middlesbrough in what promise to be tough tests of their promotion credentials.