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Alex Pearce signs for Derby

26-year-old Irish centre back Alex Pearce has signed a three-year deal with Derby County.

Pearce had previously expressed doubts over his future at Reading before their FA Cup semi-final loss to eventual champions Arsenal.

His contract was due to expire at the Sky Bet Championship side at the end of this month. A product of the academy at Reading, Pearce wore the captain’s armband for the Royals.

He was a near ever-present for the side as they achieved promotion in the 2011/12 season and was named Player of the Season then. Pearce had remained as a key player ever since.

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Head Coach Paul Clement said: "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."

Pearce has also been capped five times for Ireland, scoring on his debut against Oman in September 2012 in a 4-1 victory.

Enda Stevens released by Villa

Former Shamrock Rovers defender Enda Stevens has been released by Aston Villa.

Signed by Scot Alex McLeish in August 2011, the left back only arrived in January 2012. The Republic of Ireland U21 starlet had stayed with Rovers to take part in their Europa League campaign that season, but then failed to make his mark on the Premier League club.

The 24-year-old instead spent time out on loan at Notts County, Doncaster and Northampton, making 38 appearances for these sides in total.

Stevens appeared nine times in total in claret and blue, including a start against Man Utd in November 2012 in the absence of Joe Bennett and Eric Lichaj.

Ciaran Clark wanted by West Brom?

Ciaran Clark is reportedly wanted by Tony Pulis at West Bromwich Albion.

The Irish defender would be part of a raft of signings in the Midlands if the ex-Stoke boss gets his way.

The 25-year-old only has a year left on his contract but judging from the clearout Tim Sherwood is undertaking at the club he could be yet another Irishman to leave this summer.

Dalymount Park bought for €3.8m

(Image: Inpho)

Dublin City Council has bought the Bohemians FC ground Dalymount Park for €3.8m.

The Irish Times reports that a deal was struck for €3.45m, but the extra few hundred thousand was paid to appease Bohemians members who are owed €700,000 in total. The money will go to club creditor Zurich.

Sports Minister Paschal Donohoe welcomed the news and said: "Dalymount Park has a special place in the affections of Irish football fans and the stadium has witnessed many wonderful footballing occasions over the years.

"It goes without saying that DCC deserves great credit for its proactive approach in this matter.

"This model of ownership and operation of a stadium by a local authority follows the example set by South Dublin County Council in relation to Tallaght Stadium.

"It will ensure that Dalymount will be a great asset to the local community.

"I fully support, and look forward to, DCC’s ownership and operation of a redeveloped Dalymount stadium along such lines.

"Obviously a redeveloped Stadium will be a boost for Bohemians in particular, and the League of Ireland in general, but it can be expected that such a redevelopment will bring about wider economic benefits for the local area."

Jack Grealish suns himself on holiday as Ireland/England question beckons

More Villa-related news today - Jack Grealish has featured in a holiday tweet from one of his clubmates, on the day of a drab friendly between two nations he could yet be playing for.

The 19-year-old will surely face further pressure to choose between pulling on a green shirt or a white one after the insipid 0-0 draw at the Aviva Stadium yesterday.

Either one of those sides would have cried out for someone of Grealish's creative talents but the lad didn't look too bothered as he sunned himself out to sea in a snap posted by Gary Gardner on Twitter.

Andy Townsend has told him to get on with the decision but John O'Shea has said he should take as much time as he needs and it looks like the Waterford man's advice has gotten through.

Harry Arter makes debut for Ireland

Former non-league player Harry Arter made his debut for Ireland against England at the weekend.

The Bournemouth midfielder came on in place of Glenn Whelan and made one excellent driving run and shot in particular in the drab draw at the Aviva.

And the 25-year-old was delighted with the reaction to his performance, judging by this message on Twitter.

Looking forward to seeing more of him in the future.