Sheffield United are reportedly very interested in the signature of Leeds United captain Jason Pearce, but manager Nigel Clough is unconvinced that it is within the Yorkshire club’s means to be able to capture him, as reported by Jonathan Buchan of BBC Radio Sheffield.

Nigel Clough tells me #SUFC like defender Jason Pearce & have looked at him. ove may be beyond them,diff to tempt #LUFC to let go but trying

— Jonathan Buchan (@jonathanbuchan) August 25, 2014

Pearce was appointed captain by head coach David Hockaday at the start of the new season and has played in every match since the campaign began. His partnership with Liam Cooper brought about Leeds’s only clean sheet thus far this season, against Middlesbrough, but Pearce did also feature in Saturday’s resounding 4-1 loss against Watford at Vicarage Road.

The defender moved to Elland Road two seasons ago while Neil Warnock was manager. He did struggle in his initial campaign, but went on to impress considerably last season, and losing him would probably be considered a huge blow. There are no indications that he wants a move away from the club, however, and even fewer that he would be keen to drop down a division to join Leeds’s local rivals.

Hockaday himself is under significant pressure after the last game, despite only taking charge of four games in the league since his appointment. Three have been losses, and the one victory against Middlesbrough was the result of luck rather than concerted effort. He was on the cusp of being sacked on Saturday evening, before Massimo Cellino had a change of heart.

Leeds travel to fellow Yorkshire side Bradford on Wednesday evening.