Jason Pearce set to arrive tomorrow as Warnock’s new Leeds takes shape

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road and sources on the south coast have indicated the deal is now finalised.

Pearce won seven of the nine Player of the Year awards up for grabs at Fratton Park in the 2011-12 season and it is understood Leeds have beaten off competition from several rival clubs to land the defender.

At a media briefing earlier today, Warnock declined to reveal the identity of his planned first signing.

But he added: “I am looking forward to getting my first signing in and then moving on to the next. I am in talks with quite a number at the minute.

“I won’t say who the first signing will be but he is just the type I look for when I go into a club at Championship level. There is a certain type of lad I like and he fits the bill.

“Hunger and ability is what he has. I have felt for a while that we lack a bit of power and pace.”

Warnock released his retained list yesterday as five out of contract players were told they could leave and another six put on the transfer list.

Adam Clayton was the surprise inclusion on that list, as was the United chief’s decision to offer Michael Brown a new deal on reduced terms.

The Leeds manager said: “Michael Brown is the sort of person I like around the club. In my eyes, he has been the best player since I came to the club. He has something to offer and with the others I wnat to bring in, he might surprise us and play more than you think.

“It is quite a reduced wage but at this stage of his career I don’t think Michael should step down a level. I have offered him a contract on a par with what he would get elsewhere.

“Someone like Michael is always good to have around if you use him in the right way. I trust him totally and with the legs I am wanting to bring in, it will help to have a bit of experience in there.”