Reasons realeved behind Pearce contract dispute

Reading manager Brian McDermott has revealed that a disagreement over wages is the reason for Alex Pearce's refusal to sign a new contract at the club.

The 24-year old's current contract is set to run out at the end of this season and has been offered a new deal by the club, but disagreements over wages has caused a delay. This contract situation has led to Pearce not playing a massive part in the Royals' Premier League season, until recently, where he has been in very good form.

Speaking openly about the contract situation with BBC Radio Berkshire, McDermott said: 'It is a contractual issue with Alex and he needs to try and sort that with the club and come to an arrangement. That is his personal business. Alex says he wants to stay, the club want to try and keep him so they are still talking.'

The former Slough boss also revealed that a disagreement over wage has caused a delay in the contract signing, adding: 'The wages are the issues, it's not the length. Alex feels what he is worth, the club feel what he is worth and they need to come to an arrangement. We want him to stay. But it`s been going on for a long time now.'

It's good to finally see the club speaking publicly about the situation, as we didn't really have a clear picture of what was going on. Wages being the problem does really surprise me, as surely Pearce being our best defender at the club, we would naturally offer him wages around the £20,000 mark. I hope this gets sorted out soon.

Wiki page: Alex Pearce

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