Reading face competition from elsewhere in the EFL to secure the signing of defender Tom Pearce.

The Royals have managed to keep touch with the League One playoff race heading into January despite a change in manager, with Leam Richardson embarking on his first transfer window in Berkshire.

Latics Reunion Possible

According to a new report from Peter O’Rourke in Football Insider, Reading are one of four clubs across League One and League Two pursuing defender Tom Pearce, who is a free agent after leaving Major League Soccer club CF Montreal.

It would mark a return to England for the former Leeds United man, who found success under Reading boss Richardson at Wigan Athletic, where they both won promotion to the Championship during the 2021/22 season.

Leaving the Latics in 2024 after five seasons at the club, Pearce made his way over to Canada with Montreak, where he made 37 appearances over two seasons and made the MLS playoffs in his first campaign.

After having his contract in Quebec terminated in October, Pearce looks set to return to English football. Reading are not alone in pursuing Pearce, though, with Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town and Chesterfield also linked to the 27-year-old according to O’Rourke.

Pearce Could Add Experience

A return to his successful partnership with Leam Richardson at Reading, Tom Pearce could be an astute signing for Reading to make in an effort to reach the playoffs.

Moving to the Select Car Leasing Stadium would see Pearce challenge Jeriel Dorsett for a place in the starting eleven, with the Montserrat international being a solid player for the Royals since his breakthrough to the first team.

With Andre Garcia as depth at full-back, it is an interesting move to recruit a third player for the position, especially considering how the existing pair have developed over the past two years.

Barnsley would make much more sense as a destination with Nathanel Ogbeta a possible recall for Plymouth Argyle this window, meaning Conor Hourihane will need back up for the consistent Josh Earl.

While a drop down to League Two may be a stretch for Pearce, Chesterfield would be a similarly interesting prospect, creating another possible reunion with a Wigan manager in Paul Cook. The Spireites look a strong contender for promotion this season, and are certainly a club on the rise.