Liverpool have been linked with a number of central defenders over the last few months, and one name that keeps popping up is Reading centre-half Alex Pearce.
Reports in the UK Press today claim that Pearce is 'closing in on a switch to Liverpool' and the the Republic of Ireland defender would 'jump at the chance of a move to Anfield'.
Contract talks between Pearce and Reading - One of Brendan Rodgers' former clubs - have stalled, and with the 23 year old's contract set to expire in Summer 2013, the possibility of a move away looks increasingly likely.
Royals manager Brian McDermott dropped Pearce after a poor display in the 2-1 defeat at Stoke on February 9, and he suggested this week that a summer move is all but inevitable. He told Reporters:
“We will see where he [Pearce] will be in the summer. At this moment in time nothing looks to be signed.”
During his time as manager of Reading, Rodgers made Pearce his vice-captain, and he often compared him to Chelsea captain John Terry. For example, in one interview, Rodgers said:
“Alex was outstanding and looked like a mini John Terry out there. He reminds me in a lot of ways of John. They’ve got the same number 26 on their back and the same hunger to be better"
Pearce himself is a big fan of Terry, as he revealed in an interview with the BBC recently:
"John Terry never seems to get caught. People say he is not the quickest but he is sharp in the mind. I actually try to base my game on him. I watch him all the time on TV and study his play."
£4m-rated Pearce was named Reading's player of the year during the 2011-12 Championship winning season, but he's no longer an automatic starter for the club, which perhaps explains why he's stalling on signing a new deal.
In an interview on Monday, McDermott insisted that Pearce can 'do better' on the field, and once again expressed his frustration with his ongoing contract situation. He told Sky Sports:
"Obviously I'm frustrated with the contract situation. It's a good offer. He's got to make his mind up. He says he wants to stay and play for me, he has to make his own mind up on that"
In 2012, Pearce received Reading's 'Player of the year' award, but is he good enough to fill the void being left by Jamie Carragher? If Liverpool end up signing Pearce, let's just hope it's only his footballing ability that's similar to John Terry.
Jaimie Kanwar NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Reports in the UK Press today claim that Pearce is 'closing in on a switch to Liverpool' and the the Republic of Ireland defender would 'jump at the chance of a move to Anfield'.
Contract talks between Pearce and Reading - One of Brendan Rodgers' former clubs - have stalled, and with the 23 year old's contract set to expire in Summer 2013, the possibility of a move away looks increasingly likely.
Royals manager Brian McDermott dropped Pearce after a poor display in the 2-1 defeat at Stoke on February 9, and he suggested this week that a summer move is all but inevitable. He told Reporters:
“We will see where he [Pearce] will be in the summer. At this moment in time nothing looks to be signed.”
During his time as manager of Reading, Rodgers made Pearce his vice-captain, and he often compared him to Chelsea captain John Terry. For example, in one interview, Rodgers said:
“Alex was outstanding and looked like a mini John Terry out there. He reminds me in a lot of ways of John. They’ve got the same number 26 on their back and the same hunger to be better"
Pearce himself is a big fan of Terry, as he revealed in an interview with the BBC recently:
"John Terry never seems to get caught. People say he is not the quickest but he is sharp in the mind. I actually try to base my game on him. I watch him all the time on TV and study his play."
£4m-rated Pearce was named Reading's player of the year during the 2011-12 Championship winning season, but he's no longer an automatic starter for the club, which perhaps explains why he's stalling on signing a new deal.
In an interview on Monday, McDermott insisted that Pearce can 'do better' on the field, and once again expressed his frustration with his ongoing contract situation. He told Sky Sports:
"Obviously I'm frustrated with the contract situation. It's a good offer. He's got to make his mind up. He says he wants to stay and play for me, he has to make his own mind up on that"
In 2012, Pearce received Reading's 'Player of the year' award, but is he good enough to fill the void being left by Jamie Carragher? If Liverpool end up signing Pearce, let's just hope it's only his footballing ability that's similar to John Terry.
Jaimie Kanwar NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
He does look better than Skrtel.
ReplyDeleteReading fans love the guy, on a free is a no-brainer.
ReplyDelete15m for Skrtel with his replacement in for free would be great. Then the 15m can go to Carragher's replacement in experience, such as Williams, and a back up left back for balance, with Kelly moving into the centre for cover, while Coates goes out on loan. A Agger-Williams-Pearce-Kelly centre back team looks good.
ReplyDeleteSkrtel wouldn't be sold, we need more defenders not less. Coates is more likely to go.
ReplyDeleteIf we dont make this free transfer we will regret it, By jan next year we will be complaining about it just like Diame.
ReplyDeleteHe's very good at reading the play and if we are to move Skrtel on like reports are saying its a no brainer.
I think he will be able to provide good cover at the back and even if he doesnt we can move him on for a few mil.
Wouldnt mind if we got him for free.
ReplyDeleteI don't want Pearce or Williams, yes Williams has had a great season but I don't want him as we can get someone better and cheaper abroad. also am sick of us signing players from smaller clubs as there is a massive difference between Swansea and Liverpool. Us signing players from smaller clubs is going to put a lot of pressure on them as you've seen that already with the likes of Downing, Henderson and others.
ReplyDeletei get where your coming from but where else should we get players from? Barcelona?
ReplyDeleteNot bad as a player but the most important thing is the chemistry and the communication between other defender , defensive midfielder and the keeper. I wonder if he be able to do that or not. The link between these area is the most important if we want to build a strong defence.
ReplyDeleteNot sure maybe Papadopoulos, Rami, Fazio, Moisander Lovren, Varane or Garay
ReplyDeleteTwo new goalkeepers would also be good as Reina isn't reliable anymore and Jones isn't good enough ether.
ReplyDeleteWales 4 England 1 - Youth result and the STAR MAN - Hedges from FLINT - Suggest LFC MOVE QUICKLY - plus Leeds Youths were very decent on Thursday night at Anfield - LFC should sign their captain - I bet my tips will do better than B R s scouts
ReplyDeleteWE NEED A PROPER DEFENDER NOT A CHEAP SOLUTION OR ELSE IT'LL BE LIKE KONCHESKY FLOP
ReplyDeletei would have laughed at this idea 12 months ago but our defence is so poor now id give anyone a go
ReplyDeleteI like the video! I like 6'2" and 185 lbs too. I like that he seems smart. Seems like a good buy. I agree that Skrtel stays...more likely that someone with less talent goes. I've never been a Coates fan. He doesn't play much and when he does it seems like he lacks hustle.
ReplyDeletetitus bramble looks better than skrtel
ReplyDeleteskrtel wont sit on the bench, and that's all hes fit for.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a good move he is young and has good potential with the right management, and skrtel give him a chance most players have a bad patch ,only last season there was talk of him being a possible captain
ReplyDeleteIdeal Coates replacement. Get £4m+ for Coates and Pearce on a free. Happy days.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget... We have an American owner in FSG. Very tight. Have to sell to buy. In fact we have sold but yet to replace. Hopefully we have a better replacement in ownership in future. A passionate one. The likes of Man City's or QPR's. Not Chelsea's as that one's not passion. More like koo koo. He just needs to let the manager do their work. It's surely not a club for managers but players. Mr Tycoon should seriously consider taking up coaching courses. It could be good for the club. Imagine the manager is the owner. Sorry to sidetrack. We can do with Williams and Pearce but must keep but straighten out Skrtel\ unless he feels better off leaving. I won't keep someone who has his heart elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of center halves who are not sprinting all over the place trying to recover. He reads the game quite well and gets his head on the ball. Not since the days of Sami have we had this type of player.
ReplyDeleteWhen QPR get relegated I'd like to see us try and get Chris Samba off them. I reckon he'd do a good job at the back for us.
ReplyDelete