Leicester City are reportedly considering a bold move to appoint former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira as they look to revive their Championship campaign following Marti Cifuentes' departure. The 57-year-old Portuguese coach has emerged as a primary contender for the vacant hotseat at King Power Stadium - just months after his departure from Molineux. The home of one of the East Midlanders' rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Though, upon first reaction, City fans seem more open to this suggestion.
Welcomed by countryman
The potential arrival of this Pereira could serve as a significant catalyst for club captain Ricardo Pereira to commit his long-term future to the Foxes. The veteran full back, whose current deal reportedly expires at the end of the season, has been the subject of apparent interest from major European outfits including Valencia and Nacional.
However, the prospect of working under his compatriot - a manager with whom he shares a tactical understanding and heritage - is expected to tilt the scales in City's favour. Should they wish to keep the versatile defender, of course. Meanwhile,
Vitor Pereira's reputation in the Midlands remains a complex one.
History in England
During his eleven-month tenure at Wolves, the Espinho-born man initially appeared to be a masterstroke appointment: orchestrating a remarkable six-game winning streak that comfortably secured Wolves' Premier League status. However, much like Ruben Amorim, his style is defined by a rigid 3-4-2-1 system. A focus on strategic consistency and defensive solidity through a disciplined mid-block can be stagnant at times.
Yet the wheels came off following the controversial sale of star man Matheus Cunha. Deprived of his primary attacking outlet, Pereira’s pragmatism turned to stagnation. He was eventually sacked in November, in spite of a recent agreement extension, with WWFC languishing at the foot of the English top flight.
A well-known and not unpopular new name enters the race to be the latest Leicester City boss
"Former Wolves boss Vitor Pereira is among the names being considered for the vacant manager's job at Leicester City, the Express & Star understands."Liam Keen
Despite the tactical pedigree Pereira offers, this remains a developing rumour. While Express & Star understands Pereira is firmly on the shortlist, the Leicester board are still supposedly weighing up several high-profile candidates to ensure they secure the right man to lead their promotion charge. Or to see that they don't get relegated again!