Leeds United defender Tom Pearce was reportedly wanted by Everton earlier this summer.
Everton reportedly wanted to sign Tom Pearce earlier this summer, but the 20-year-old’s comments to Leeds Live suggest that he was never going to leave Leeds United.
Pearce, who can operate as a left-back or as a left wing-back, signed a new four-year contract with Leeds in June.
Prior to the England Under-21 international committing his long-term future, Everton were among the clubs who reportedly wanted to secure the services of the youngster.
The Yorkshire Evening Post credited Bournemouth and Crystal Palace with interest in Pearce, while The Sun on Sunday (print edition, page 63, May 13, 2018) reported that Everton were looking at the 20-year-old left-back (click here to read more).
Pearce’s comments to Leeds Live, though, suggest that he was never planning on joining the Toffees – or any other club for that matter – this summer.
“Yeah, I was delighted to get it done,” Pearce told Leeds Live about his new contract. “Obviously it took a bit longer than expected but at the end it was the right decision.
“I was always going to stay, definitely. It’s the right club for the young players, so hopefully get my chance.”
Important season ahead
Pearce made his first-team breakthrough at Leeds last season, as the 20-year-old left-back scored one goal in five Championship appearances for the Whites.
The 20-year-old will find it hard to feature regularly for the Whites next season, but if the Englishman impresses head coach Marcelo Bielsa and shows the Argentine signs of progress in the coming weeks, then he could well make the left-back spot his own.
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