Nigel Pearson throws hat into ring for Norwich vacancy

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Nigel Pearson: Manager appointed Derby boss

Nigel Pearson: Linked with Norwich job

Nigel Pearson has applied for the vacant Norwich job as Celtic talent spotter David Moss emerged as a contender for a key Carrow Road role.

Former Leicester and Derby manager Pearson is keen on the Canaries hotseat as he looks to get back into the game, according to report.

Pearson left Derby last October after less than five months at Pride Park, having taken charge of just 14 games.

He is expected to be interviewed but his occasionally abrasive style is unlikely to be attractive to Norwich owner Delia Smith, who has now ruled out a move for Alan Pardew as she does not feel he is the right fit for the club.

Pearson was involved in several odd incidents at Leicester, including arguing with fans, grappling with Crystal Palace’s James McArthur and calling a journalist an ostrich.

He also left Derby under a cloud after a reported row with owner Mel Morris.

Norwich have already missed out on Gary Rowett, who became Derby’s third manager of the season on Monday, while Mark Warburton – who was interviewed by the Canaries in January 2015 – joined Nottingham Forest this week.

Roy Hodgson remains an option and he is in close contact with owner Smith, with the pair long-term friends.

The former England manager has been out of work since he quit as Three Lions boss following their embarrassing Euro 2016 exit to Iceland last summer.

Press Association Sport understands he has been acting as a sounding board for Smith, who is leaning heavily on his advice.

Hodgson could still take the manager’s job but the Canaries would not be able to pay the wages he previously commanded, so his relationship with Smith and husband Michael Wynn-Jones is key.

Norwich are looking for a new boss after Alex Neil was sacked with the club nine points adrift of the Sky Bet Championship play-offs after relegation from the Premier League last season.

The club’s board were concerned over Neil’s summer transfer plans, which included selling Republic of Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan and defender Timm Klose, Press Association Sport understands.

The Canaries are expected to appoint a director of football before a new manager with Celtic’s head of development scouting Moss in the frame.

He was part of the scouting network which helped bring Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama to Celtic while Moussa Dembele – who has scored 32 goals for the Hoops this season – credited Moss for his efforts with him when he signed last summer.

Moss, previously academy manager at Swansea and Crystal Palace, worked under ex-head of football development John Park but Park left Celtic in October with boss Brendan Rodgers aiming to bring in his own men.

Former Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton was appointed head of recruitment on Wednesday.