DERBY COUNTY have confirmed the signing of Reading defender Alex Pearce on a free transfer.
The Republic of Ireland international is out of contract at Madejski Stadium at the end of this month and has been strongly linked with the Rams for the past week.
Pearce, 26, came through the academy at Reading and is the second long serving player to leave the club this summer following the departure of Adam Federici to Bournemouth.
On making the move, Pearce said: “I am very delighted. I found out about it quite early doors after the season finished and it escalated quite quickly.
“It’s been a smooth transition so it’s very pleasing to be part of such a great club moving forward.
“I spoke to certain people within the club and it was really clear to see that there is a clear vision here at Derby County and it’s something that I very much want to be a part of.
“Hopefully I can be a key part of the process moving forward and getting into the Premier League.”
Pearce, who has five caps for the Republic of Ireland, is one of two players to confirm their moves to the East Midlands today as new boss Paul Clement also unveiled striker Darren Bent following his release from Aston Villa.
After making his debut against Burnley in January 2007, Pearce went on to play for the Royals almost 250 times and leaves a gap at the heart of the defence having featured 49 times for the club last season.
