OPINION
Newcastle United can solve their need for full-back cover by hijacking Leeds United’s bid to tie Tom Pearce to a new deal.
The future of the left-back who made such a strong impression in the final month of the Championship season is up in the air as he is out of contract next month.
Intriguingly, Sun correspondent Alan Nixon has reported today (Tuesday) that Pearce is set to agree fresh terms with the Yorkshire giants but explained that will not put speculation about his future to bed.
The reliable journalist made the shock claim on his personal Twitter account that, even if a deal is penned, there remain doubts about whether the left-sided flyer will start next season as a Leeds player.
It has previously been reported that Everton were looking to re-sign the left-back as well as fellow Premier League outfit Bournemouth.
Newcastle have effectively been given a golden opportunity to make a move.
They must pounce to beat their top-level rivals to the signing of a player who has the ability to not only walk straight into their senior squad but eventually compete for a first-team spot.
Paul Dummett is a rock-solid operator at left-back but back-up is needed for the 26-year-old, especially as a number of defenders are set to be offloaded by the north-east giants this summer.
Pearce is affordable, promising and at an age – 20 – when he will improve quickly, especially under a coach of Rafael Benitez’s quality.
It would be unusual for a player to sign a new deal and then leave a few weeks later, but certainly not impossible in the shark-infested waters of top level football.
