The Rumour Mill – Alex Pearce

Newcastle United are being linked with a move for Reading defender Alex Pearce, 24.

The defender is now out of contract having turned down a new offer from the Berkshire club and has the liberty of choosing from a supposedly growing list of lurking suitors.

Liverpool were thought to have a deal in place for the Scotland born Irish defender after he was photographed over the weekend with Reds’ managing director Ian Ayre. However, there have now been whispers that a deal has broken down between the two parties. 

Pearce was part of the Reading side that were relegated from the Premier League, with the team having conceded 73 goals, the joint worst record along with Wigan Athletic. Pearce made 21 appearances for the club, 19 of them coming in the Premier League.

Pearce was also Royals captain when Brendan Rodgers was in charge of Reading in the 2009-10 season.

With Pardew keen to add height not only as a physical bolstering to the porous defence, but also to offer up and attacking threat at set pieces, a deal for the 6ft 2in stopper could materialize.

What do you think of the lad? Would he offer some much needed squad competition, or could he force his way into the team straight away?

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