Mills has 19 caps for England

Mills has been linked with a switch to his former club to help their fight to avoid relegation from the Championship.

But Pearce said the deal cannot go through because Mills, 29, is yet to recover from a shin splints injury.

"Until we get him fully fit, we can't make any decision about him. Danny is happy with that and understands the situation," said Pearce.

Mills signed a two-month loan deal with Hull earlier in the season but was forced to end that spell after picking up the knock.

"Unfortunately, Danny is not fit at the moment," added Pearce. "He has still to get over the stress fracture of his shin."