Former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has reportedly emerged as Aston Villa's top choice to replace Remi Garde in charge of the Premier League strugglers.

According to the Daily Mail, Pearson is interested in succeeding Garde if the Frenchman is relieved of his duties as reported in the coming days.

Garde has only managed two wins in 20 Premier League games since arriving in November, with Villa, who have never been relegated in the Premier League era, rockbottom and 12 points from safety after Saturday evening's 1-0 defeat at Swansea City.

Pearson is also said to be on the wishlist of Middlesbrough should Aitor Karanka fail to get the Teesside club promoted from the Championship.