Liverpool are poised to sign Reading defender Alex Pearce who has refused to sign a new deal with the relegated Royals. The Reds have been tracking the youngster for a while now with boss Brendan Rodgers keen to bring the 24 year old to Anfield as he looks set to lose Jamie Carragher who is retiring and Martin Skrtel who wants to leave Merseyside.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Pearce's teammate, keeper Alex McCarthy.