Rams reject Pearson rumours

Derby play down speculation linking midfielder with Forest

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 7th July 2008

Stephen Pearson Derby County 2006/07 play-off final Wembley

Pearson: Forest link denied

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Derby have denied that midfielder Stephen Pearson is set to join local rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Scotland international has seen his future become the subject of much debate this summer, with speculation linking him with a move away from Pride Park.

It had been suggested that Championship new-boys Forest were keen on taking the 25-year-old to the City Ground, but the Rams have been quick to dismiss those claims.

Club chairman Adam Pearson confirmed that the 25-year-old remained part of Paul Jewell's plans heading into the new season and played down the prospect of the former Celtic man crossing the divide to Nottingham.

"There is nothing in that," he told the Derby Evening Telegraph.

If Pearson were to join Forest he would follow in the footsteps of former team-mate Robert Earnshaw, who joined Colin Calderwood's side from the Rams earlier in the summer.

During a close season packed with speculation surrounding both clubs, Kris Commons is another to have made a switch between the arch rivals.

The 24-year-old left the Reds on a free transfer at the end of the 2007/08 campaign, before completing a controversial deal with Derby shortly after.