Exclusive: Barnsley, Reading, Chesterfield and Shrewsbury register interest in Tom Pearce
Barnsley, Reading, Chesterfield and Shrewsbury Town have registered their interest in signing former Leeds defender Tom Pearce, sources have told Football Insider.
The left-back, 27, is a free agent after leaving Montreal at the end of October following the conclusion of the Major League Soccer season.
League One duo Barnsley and Reading, and League Two pair Chesterfield and Shrewsbury are all chasing Pearce as they work on strengthening in defence.
Pearce attracted Premier League interest while at Leeds earlier in his career, but a move to the lower reaches of the EFL appears to be on the cards for him this winter.
Tom Pearce hasn’t played in the EFL since 2024
Pearce’s performances during his time at Wigan attracted interest from Championship clubs back in 2021, but he eventually left the Latics three years later.
The defender swapped England for America in the summer of 2024 as he opted to join Montreal, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Canadian outfit.
Pearce saw the contract terminated by the MLS side in October, and he cited his intention to pursue opportunities back in England in an X post following his departure.
Those opportunities now look set to be presented to him in January, with clubs circling around the free agent.
Pearce has plenty of experience in both the Championship and League One, but could drop as low as League Two if either Chesterfield or Shrewsbury win the race for his signature.
Reading plotting Randell Williams extension alongside Pearce deal
Football Insider revealed last week that Reading are plotting an extension for Randell Williams amid interest from other clubs in League One.
The winger’s short-term deal with the Royals is due to expire this week, but they are keen to keep hold of a player who has had a telling impact for them this term.
Williams has notched two goal involvements in his eight league appearances for Leam Richardson’s side, and that has outlined his new contract as an immediate priority for them in January.
Reading are enjoying a five-game unbeaten run at the moment, and if they could seal deals for both Williams and Pearce, then it would represent a positive start to the window for them.