• Pearson’s deal could be extended if spell is successful• Former Leicester manager sacked by OH Leuven in FebruaryNigel Pearson is expected to attend Watford’s home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday after agreeing to take over from Quique Sánches Flores at the Premier League’s bottom club, initially on a short-term contract to the end of the season.
Pearson will be assisted by Craig Shakespeare, who worked with him during his two spells at Leicester as well as at West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, and briefly succeeded him at the King Power Stadium following Pearson’s departure in 2015. Confirmation of the appointment is imminent, pending only the contract being signed off by the two parties’ lawyers, and the deal could be finalised in time for him to be presented at Vicarage Road on Saturday.