Waghorn played under Nigel Pearson at Leicester last season.

Hull City manager Nigel Pearson is refusing to be drawn on speculation linking him with Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn.

Pearson took Waghorn to Leicester City on loan last season, but played down talk of a move for the 20-year old.

Pearson told BBC Radio Humberside: "There's always going to be the assumption that we're trying to get him because of his link with me last year.

"But I don't think it's right to speak about other people's players."

Waghorn scored 12 goals in 29 starts for The Foxes but returned to the Stadium of Light at the end of last season.

We've got a number of players we're pursuing Hull City manager Nigel Pearson

With Black Cats boss Steve Bruce expected to send the player out to gain further experience, Pearson's appointment at the KC Stadium positioned Hull as the favourites to make a move for him.

"He's a player I've got a lot of admiration for but I'm sure Steve [Bruce] will be keen at this point to keep all his options open," said Pearson.

He added: "I'm not discounting anything but what I would say is we've got a number of players we're pursuing, and when the time's right and if we can do any business we'll let the fans know."

Waghorn was given the all-clear over the weekend after initial fears he had picked up a serious knee injury in a friendly with a Munster XI last week.

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