OPINION
Steve Bruce needs to add a steeliness to his Aston Villa midfield and Preston destroyer Ben Pearson would give the Midlands giants that fear factor in the middle of the park.
HITC Sport claim Championship duo Reading and Sunderland are interested in the 22-year-old ace, who is also a target for Premier League side Burnley this summer.
The report claims that Pearson is in the final year of his contract at Deepdale and any interested parties could look to lure the holding-midfield player away from Preston as part of a cut-price deal.
Pearson has impressed with the Lilywhites since joining the club from Manchester United in January 2016, making 52 league and cup appearances for Preston since his move.
Preston’s number four is known for his combative nature at the base of a midfield, proving to be more than willing to put his body on the line for his side as well as showing technical nous in his passing and positioning.
Although Pearson can be slightly overzealous at times, which saw him receive a second yellow card during the 0-0 draw against Leeds, the midfielder does a lot more good than bad.
One-time England Under-20 international Pearson would offer defensive tenacity to Villa’s side that would win the hearts of Villa fans as they look to kickstart their disappointing start to the 2017-18 season.
Conor Hourihane shone against Norwich on Saturday as Villa won 4-2 against Norwich by scoring a hat-trick, as he partnered Glenn Whelan in midfield.
However, new signing Whelan has failed to provide the impact that many had expected in claret and blue, with Australia international Mile Jedinak still sidelined.
Adding Pearson into the mix would see Villa provide the perfect partner for Ireland international Hourihane, who prefers to get forward and join the attack.
The Preston ace’s commanding aura in front of the back four would offer better defensive cover to John Terry and James Chester, as well as giving Hourihane the license to join the attack.
If Villa can secure the signing of Pearson for around £3million, they would be pushing themselves towards promotion at the second attempt for a bargain price.