Southampton sign Pearce on loan

Southampton have signed teenage Reading defender Alex Pearce on loan.

The 19-year-old has made eight appearances for the Royals' first team this season and won his first Scotland Under-21 cap during the summer.

He spent a successful spell with Bournemouth last season, playing 12 times, and has also previously been on loan at Norwich and Northampton.

Pearce could go straight into the side for Saturday's game at Preston and will stay at St Mary's until 1 January.

Pearce told BBC Radio Solent: "It's a really good move for me. It's a chance for me to come to a great club and play some games.

"I wasn't playing at Reading so the idea to come and play some games at Southampton is great."

Pearce will not be eligible to face the Royals when the two sides meet on 22 November.

A fortnight ago Reading lost at Preston so Pearce is hoping for swift revenge.

"It will be a big test. We played Preston a couple of weeks back and they beat us but Reading outplayed them that day, but they do pose a threat and we'll have to deal with that on the day."

Reading have an option to recall Pearce after 28 days of the loan move has elapsed.

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