Oxford United have been linked with Charlton Athletic defender Jason Pearce according to The News, Portsmouth.

However, the U’s face stiff competition with both Sunderland and Portsmouth also looking to sign the 31-year-old.

Oxford United Set to Chase Jason Pearce

Jason Pearce

The Charlton defender has had a solid season as the Addicks gained promotion to the Championship, playing 28 games and scoring twice.

The 31-year-old has one year left on his existing deal at The Valley, after joining the Londoners from Wigan Athletic in 2016.

The centre-half has made 81 appearances for the Addicks in that time, with 28 outings arriving last term including in the play-off final win against Sunderland.

Regular starts haven’t always been easy for Pearce to find under Lee Bowyer, with the likes of Patrick Bauer and Naby Sarr options in the same area of the pitch.

Pearce started his career at Portsmouth, with loans at Bognor Regis and Woking. He then moved to AFC Bournemouth, making 162 appearances in four seasons, before moving back to Portsmouth.

He then spent three years at Leeds United, making 99 appearances, before a move to Wigan. Pearce has spent the last two seasons with Charlton.

Portsmouth and Sunderland

Two sides that reached the play-offs are also reportedly interested in the defender.

Sunderland could certainly benefit from having a defender of Pearce’s experience in their ranks ahead of next season, as Jack Ross’ side struggled defensively towards the end of last season.

That said, a return to boyhood club Pompey would be difficult to turn down and the defender potentially looks for a new club.

Oxford United

It would be a terrific signing if Oxford could snap up the defender. It would also put less pressure on the wait of a decision from Curtis Nelson to accept or decline his new contract offer.

This is the second Charlton player that the U’s have been linked within the past week, as we broke the news that Karl Robinson was also chasing winger, Tariqe Fosu.

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