Two In At Pride Park

New Derby County manager Paul Clement has moved quickly to secure the permanent signings of central defender Alex Pearce and on-loan striker Darren Bent.

Pearce has moved north from Championship rivals Reading after his contract expired in the summer and has signed a three year contract to ply his trade in the Midlands at Pride Park underneath former Real Madrid assistant Clement.

Clement told the club’s official site “Alex Pearce is an experienced central defender and we’re very pleased to have him signed.He is strong, physical and an international footballer as well so he has lot of good qualities.”

The Republic of Ireland international was a product of the youth system at the Madjeski Stadium but has chosen to move to the Rams despite being the club captain. The defender has experience in the Premier League for Reading and will likely by the first of a number of changes at the East Midlands side.

Striker Bent has made his loan move to Pride Park permanent after a spell at Derby last season which yielded 12 goals in 17 appearances. The former Aston Villa and England striker has signed a two year deal with the Rams with the option of a 12 month deal at the end of the contract.

Manager Clement told the Official Derby County site “Darren Bent is a proven goalscorer and that was something he proved during his loan spell with the club last season. He is going to be key in our plans to move forward.”