Pearce poised for Magpies deal

Pearce: Set for Notts deal

Notts County boss Craig Short says the club are close to signing defender Krystian Pearce.

Former Birmingham and Huddersfield defender Pearce has spent three weeks on trial at Meadow Lane this summer.

And the 20-year-old, who departed the Galpharm Stadium at the end of last season when his contract expired, could be in line for a permanent deal.

"We're talking now and are hoping to get a contract sorted out for him," Short told Magpies Player.

"His attitude has been first class. He's a long way from the finished article but he's got a lot of years in front of him.

"I think maybe because I played in that position I can help him. I never had his ability on the ball, he's an outstanding footballer but he has to know when and where to do those things."

Short confirmed fellow trialist Kevin Smith will start Thursday night's friendly against Stoke at Meadow Lane, while Hungarian goalkeeper David Grof is set to be offered a deal after also impressing in pre-season.