Premier League side Everton are reportedly keen to bring Tom Pearce back to Goodison Park from Leeds United this summer.
Back in 2014, Tom Pearce left Everton’s academy to continue his development at Leeds United. Four years later, however, Everton seemingly want him back.
It is understood that Everton believe the Ormskirk-born Pearce could be Leighton Baines’ long-term successor. Premier League rivals Bournemouth are also allegedly interested, with Eddie Howe making a left-back a top priority.
And it seems that Premier League interest in Pearce has Leeds a little worried.
As it stands, the highly-rated defender is the only member of Leeds’ first-team squad who is due to be out of contract this summer. Although the Yorkshire Evening Post claims that the Whites are keen to come to an agreement to keep Pearce at Elland Road for the long term.
It is understood that Leeds will hold fresh talks this week and are ready to offer him an improved salary, yet the YEP adds that they are yet to meet Pearce’s demands.
Leeds would be due to receive a compensation fee should Pearce move on, meaning they would not lose him for nothing. But they would obviously rather avoid a repeat of the Charlie Taylor scenario from last summer, where the club failed to tie him down and he eventually left for Burnley.
Leeds will be hoping this is a case of better late than never.
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