Leeds United defender Tom Pearce is set to jet out to France after being called up to the England Under-21 squad by Aidy Boothroyd ahead of the upcoming Toulon Tournament, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper claims that Pearce, 20, will be heading over the Channel despite his Elland Road future being up in the air.
It is understood that the left-back has been offered a new three-year deal by the club with improved terms as his current contract is due to expire at the end of next month.
OPINION
Pearce’s form for Leeds definitely deserves a call-up to the Under-21s squad, but the club will be praying that he agrees a new Elland Road deal before he puts in some strong displays in France, otherwise speculation about the defender’s future is bound to heat up. Everton have been linked with re-signing the full-back this summer after he broke into Paul Heckingbottom’s first-team. It’s vital that Leeds wrap up a new deal because it could eliminate the need to sign a left-back in the summer with Laurens De Bock also in the squad. Pearce made five Championship appearances for Leeds this season and scored his first senior goal in the win against Yorkshire rivals Barnsley. If he is able to build on those performances then he is bound to be a great player in the future and could potentially be one of the first names on the team sheet for next season due to De Bock’s form. That will depend on whether Victor Orta wants another senior left-back in the squad but at the moment, it seems that the club are eager to keep Pearce.