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Exclusive: York Hold Firm on Star Striker Pearce Amid Interest from MK Dons, Fleetwood & Newport

York City's star striker Ollie Pearce is drawing interest from clubs across the UK. With a prolific goal-scoring record, Pearce is a sought-after talent. York, currently second in the standings, are determined to keep him until the end of the season as they chase promotion.

Shane MacDermott
S. MacDermott

Last updated: 2026-01-28

Louis Hobbs

2 minutes read

York City v Yeovil Town - The Vanarama National League

York City v Yeovil Town - The Vanarama National League by Tony King | Getty Images

EFL hopefuls York City are confident of repelling growing interest in star striker Ollie Pearce, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Envious clubs, north and south of the border, have been alerted by Pearce's prolific record since joining the Ministermen from Worthing in 2024.

MK Dons are thought to have enquired about his services last term while there was interest from Scottish Premier League sides prior to moving to York.

Fleetwood are looking to replace talisman Ryan Graydon after his switch to Salford City while fellow fourth tier outfit Newport County are desperate for goals to stave off possible relegation. Both though might not be looked upon as any upgrade. 

Brighton born Pearce won the National League Golden Boot award and Player of the Year last season and is leading the fifth tier striking charts again this term having scored 27 times in all competitions, including two hat-tricks.

Pearce isn’t the only National League talent attracting EFL attention, with Oldham Athletic among several League Two clubs monitoring Scunthorpe United’s Oli Ewing, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Hotshot

Previously, Pearce banged in goals for fun during six years at Worthing before moving North to try to help York regain their EFL status last held 10 years ago.

Unfortunately for his suitors, there are a few stumbling blocks to any deal. Alerted to possible moves for their talisman, York gave him a contract last September to the end of June 2028.

And while they remain in hot pursuit of promotion, York, currently second behind Rochdale, are determined to repel interest, at least until the end of the current campaign when they know the club's destiny.

Pearce is also 31 and untried at a higher level. However, so too was ex non-league marksman Michael Cheek before Bromley gained promotion to League Two in 2024.

However, Cheek, three years older than Pearce, netted 26 times last season. And he's added 14 more this campaign as Bromley top the fourth tier.

Shane MacDermott
Shane MacDermottSports Writer

Shane is a seasoned sports journalist and one of the most recognisable voices in the snooker pressroom. From Ronnie O’Sullivan to Zhao Xintong, he has sat down with the sport’s biggest names and broken hundreds of front-page national stories.

Alongside his work for SportsBoom, Shane regularly freelances for national outlets including the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star.

While cricket is Shane’s true passion, particularly Test cricket, he keeps it largely separate from his professional work. But don’t expect him to be sold on The Hundred as the future of the game.