Reading: McDermott urges Alex Pearce contract compromise

Reading manager Brian McDermott has urged the club to reach a compromise with defender Alex Pearce, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Pearce, 24, has been offered a new deal by the club, but is yet to accept, with McDermott citing wages as the issue preventing him from signing.

"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," McDermott told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Pearce came through the club's academy and has been capped by the Republic of Ireland following his fine form last season, which helped the club win promotion to the Premier League.

Despite that, he has only played 12 times this season, with his contract situation likely to be a contributory factor, but recently won a recall to the side that has coincided with a turnaround in form for the Royals.

McDermott admits he is powerless to prevent Pearce, who has been linked with Liverpool, from leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer if he wishes to do so.

However, he said: "Alex says he wants to stay, the club want to try and keep him so they are still talking," he said,

"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."

Rogic playing for Australia against South Korea

Meanwhile, McDermott has confirmed his interest in Australia international Tom Rogic, having already signed midfielder Daniel Carrico since the transfer window reopened.

Creative midfielder Rogic, 20, currently plays for Central Coast Mariners and came close to joining Reading last year.

"We know him really well and we tried to get him this time last season, but it got turned down on a work permit," added McDermott.

"He has gone back to Australia and played in a team that has won the league and he has got himself in and around the Australia squad.

"The potential we saw, he is fulfilling now."