Having conceded 13 goals in the previous four league fixtures it has become imperative that new boss Micky Adams must first concentrate on improving a weak defence.
Today they have already added to this with the signing of right full-back Seamus Conneely from Irish club Galway but will also need to add experience to the back four.
Pearce, 22 has played over 100 Football League games for Reading, Northampton Town (loan), AFC Bournemouth (loan), Norwich City (loan) and Southampton (loan) and could add the strength United need.
If you are to believe transfer rumours then the Blades were linked with a move for Pearce twelve months ago during Kevin Blackwell’s reign as manager.
The Blades are also reportedly interested in Southampton defender Danny Seaborne, 23.