Report: Tom Pearce could leave Leeds; Everton and Bournemouth keen

Tom Pearce is enduring a difficult spell with Leeds United, and could now reportedly consider leaving in January.

Tom Pearce could be on his way out of Leeds during the January transfer window, according to a report from The Sun on Sunday (28/10; page 59), with Everton and Bournemouth keen on the left-back.

Pearce has been one of the players who has struggled to break into Marcelo Bielsa's plans this term. The youngster only signed a new contract at Elland Road in the summer but has made just two substitute appearances in the Championship.

The Sun on Sunday (28/10; page 59) reports that the Toffees and the Cherries are monitoring Pearce's situation, while he could reportedly be tempted to stick in the Championship should he leave in the winter.

Could Leeds let Pearce go?

Pearce would have known how difficult a season it was going to be for him when Leeds signed Barry Douglas in the summer. The Scotsman was the division's best in his position last year.

But given that the 20-year-old has barely featured since Douglas sustained an injury against Hull City at the start of this month, he does appear to face a more difficult task than he previously expected.

He was handed a chance against Nottingham Forest on Saturday as he replaced Luke Ayling during the first-half, but he was then substituted after the break as Leeds chased an equaliser.

Pearce would therefore, be forgiven for considering his options given his current situation. But some Leeds supporters will feel that the club are making a big mistake should Bielsa allow the academy graduate to leave in January.