Reading defender Alex Pearce has agreed to join Championship side Southampton on loan until 1st January.

During the loan period Reading face the Saints on both 22nd November and 28th December, but Alex will not be permitted to play in either fixture.

Alex can be recalled by Steve Coppell at any time after the first month of the loan - in keeping with League regulations.

Director of Football Nick Hammond told readingfc.co.uk, "Alex is a very talented young centre half who needs to be playing regular first team football at this stage of his development.

"With this loan he is joining a good club with good people, and the experience should get him right up to speed and ready if Steve Coppell wishes to recall him." 

The 19-year-old centre back has made 42(+8) career appearances so far, including 7(+5) for the Royals; the remainder while on loan at Northampton, Bournemouth and Norwich over the last two seasons.

He had a run in the first team during the early part of this season, and his last appearance was in the Carling Cup defeat to Stoke on 23rd September.