Transfer Centre

Nigel Pearson hopeful to keep the "fantastic" Esteban Cambiasso

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 11 May 2015

Nigel Pearson hopes to convince Esteban Cambiasso to sign up for another year at Leicester City as his one-year deal draws to a close.

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is hopeful that he can convince midfielder Esteban Cambiasso to stay at the club beyond this summer.

Cambiasso, 34, is coming to the end of his one-year deal at the King Power after helping City to the brink of Premier League survival, with two fixtures remaining.

The ex-Real Madrid and Inter Milan ace turned heads when he decided to join the Foxes in August, but Pearson says that the Argentine legend has proven a "fantastic addition" - one that he is keen to retain.

"I hope he stays next season, of course I do, but he has already indicated he wants to wait until the end of the season," he told the Leicester Mercury. "If that is the case then fine but, for sure, we want to keep him and he knows that as well.

"His impact is difficult to quantify but it's been a very positive one, there's no doubt about that. If you take away the influence on other players and just look at his own performances, what he brings to the side in terms of his vision and game understanding, then I think he's been a fantastic addition to our squad.

"I know if he was five years younger we wouldn't have him, or two years younger even. But I'm very pleased he's with us and that he's contributed fantastically to the team's plight and situation."

Cambiasso has made 29 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four times.