Derby County complete Alex Pearce signing

Derby County have confirmed that they have signed Alex Pearce on a free transfer.

The defender has signed a three-year deal at the iPro Stadium, ahead of his contract at fellow Championship side Reading expiring at the end of this month.

The 26-year-old, who has won five international caps for the Republic of Ireland, becomes Derby's second signing in a day following the capture of Darren Bent.

Derby head coach Paul Clement told the club's official website: "Alex Pearce is an experienced central defender and we're very pleased to have him signed.

"He is strong, physical and an international footballer as well so he has lot of good qualities."

Pearce came through the ranks at the Madejski Stadium and played 254 times for the Royals after making his debut in 2007.