Newly-promoted Championship Barnsley are looking to add defender Tom Pearce to their ranks from Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Although he was relegated with League One side Scunthorpe United at the end of last season, he remains a promising prospect for Leeds, having represented England at youth level.

However, the Whites manager Marcelo Bielsa could be willing to let Pearce go, as he looks to build a Leeds United squad capable of winning Championship promotion in the upcoming 2019/20 season.

The Tykes have already signed Mads Juel Anderson, Aapo Halme, Toby Sibbick and Bambo Diaby this summer to bolster their defence. They have also made a number of attacking signings in this window, including former Leeds player Mallik Wilks and striker Conor Chaplin most recently.

Halme also came from Leeds United and Tom Pearce could follow before transfer deadline day on August 8th.

Here are two pros and two cons to Barnsley sealing the deal for 21-year-old Leeds United defender Tom Pearce.

Pro: A chance to sign a player who could make himself a favourite

This could be a signing for the long-term for Barnsley, who have a reasonably youthful-looking squad going into the new season. Having this squad that can perform together for a number of years will only help to increase stability at Oakwell, regardless of any managerial changes.

Tom Pearce is already settled in Yorkshire, having been with Leeds United for five years. This means it'll be less likely that Pearce will get unsettled at Barnsley, as opposed to a new club which is quite a distance away from Yorkshire.

Who knows, Pearce could stay at Barnsley for the long-term and make himself a club legend if he performs consistently well for the side in the future. He has the potential to make it far, can he fulfil this and be a great player for the Tykes? Or could he outgrow them?

Pro: His value and potential

At just 21 years old, Pearce has the opportunity to perform well for the Tykes in the Championship and increase his value. Even though he didn't make that many appearances on loan at League One Scunthorpe United in the second half of last season, he may be given another chance to shine in the tier above.

As an England youth international, the opportunity of getting regular game time in senior football will be vital for Pearce's development and he'll be determined to keep his place in the starting eleven if the deal with Barnsley goes through.

Even if Pearce outgrows Barnsley and moves on, there's a very good chance that Barnsley will make a good profit on the Leeds United defender who's rarely been given a chance at Elland Road.

Con: Not the experienced head that Barnsley so desperately need

When a team gets promoted to a higher division, it's essential that they have the experienced heads they need in order to keep themselves grounded and to guide them through tough spells that a club is likely to have when competing in a higher tier than they did the previous season.

As it stands, the oldest defender that Barnsley have at this moment in time is left back Daniel Pinillos, who's only 26. Even though it's great that Daniel Stendel has put his faith in younger players, he needs to get the right variation of youth and experience.

Pearce is only 21 years old and hasn't yet been through the experiences in professional football that experienced veterans have. Whilst he can't provide that experience, he will be looking to make up for it in other areas.

Con: Lack of games

He's not played many matches.

Only seven of these games have been for Leeds United in the Sky Bet Championship, which doesn't bode well for Barnsley. They need that second-tier experience in their players to give themselves the best chance of staying in the division.

His only other league games have come for Scunthorpe United, where he made just nine appearances in a six month loan spell during the second half of last season. Is this the signing that Barnsley need? Hindsight is a wonderful thing.