Pearce began his career as an apprentice at Chelsea

Brentford hope to sign veteran defender Ian Pearce ahead of the new season.

The 34-year-old ex-Chelsea, Blackburn and West Ham defender was released by Fulham this summer and is training with the Bees while assessing his options.

Bees manager Andy Scott told BBC London 94.9: "He has had some offers from abroad that he is considering.

"I am not going to pressurise him. He is speaking to us daily about his situation and whether we can move forward with it."

Pearce joined Fulham in 2004 but was released after making just three appearances, including one on loan at Southampton, last season.

"I spoke to him last week and just invited him down to training," Scott explained.

"He's keen to continue his playing career. He's an excellent lad, is great to have around the training ground and he's obviously very experienced.

"Initially it's just to come into training. We'll see if we can take it further."