The Royals have been somewhat cash strapped since they plummeted from the Premier League two seasons ago - forcing them to sell their most established players and it looks as though other clubs are picking out the elite with Liverpool interested in keeper Adam Federici and the Blades with Alex Pearce.
Sheffield United is hunting for a new defender with the expected departure of Matthew Kilgallon who is out of contract at the end of the 2009/10 season; however the Madejski Stadium club are keen to hold onto their bright young stars.
Pearce, 21 came from the youth system at Reading and made his professional debut as a substitute in January 2006 during a 3-2 FA Cup win over Burnley and to date has made 39 (+7) appearances and netted four goals.
The Oxford born defender has also served Northampton Town, AFC Bournemouth, Norwich City and Southampton on loan.