PAUL Peschisolido is hoping that the Greg Pearson contract saga is close to a conclusion.

The Burton manager has been negotiating with last season's leading scorer over his transition from part-time status to a full-time deal next season, when Pearson will have completed his physiotherapy studies.

University commitments have kept the popular striker from training regularly with the first-team squad for much of this season.

"I think we're close to an agreement now," said the manager. "It looks like just a matter of dotting the Is and crossing the Ts with the chairman."

Peschisolido was also hoping to hear from the FA by the end of the week regarding his attempt to sign Irish centre-half Sean Kelly.

The deal hinges on Kelly's contract status when his club, Chester City, was wound up this week.