Barnsley have agreed a deal to sign Leeds United defender Aapo Halme, according a report from Helsingin Sanomat.

The 21-year-old is on the brink of sealing a move to Oakwell after making just four appearances in defence for Marcelo Bielsa's side last season.

Daniel Stendel is looking to bolster his defensive options following the double blow of losing centre-back duo Liam Lindsay and Ethan Pinnock to Stoke and Brentford respectively.

The Tykes' boss has pinpointed Halme as an ideal option to step in at the heart of defence, as the Tykes prepare for their second-tier return after securing promotion last term.

Here are three reasons why a switch to the Tykes could be the perfect move for Halme's development...

It is looking increasingly unlikely he will establish himself at Leeds

Halme's four appearances all came in the first half of last season while the Whites were experiencing an injury crisis, but he did not feature beyond this.

Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper have firmly established themselves as on of the best centre-back partnerships in the division, which means Halmes will struggle to breakthrough next season.

He may have had a successful season in the Under 23s, but Leeds have now also added Brighton loanee Ben White to their ranks. This puts Halme further back in the pecking order.

He could become a first-team regular at Barnsley

Barnsley boasted the best defensive record in League One last season as they stormed to automatic promotion, but they have now lost the services of two key figureheads in Lindsay and Pinnock.

This means defensive recruitment is the priority for Stendel this summer, and he has already added young Danish defender Mads Juel Andersen to the club's ranks.

The fact Halme has picked up some experience in the Championship, as well as in Leeds' successful Under-23 side, means he will be among the frontrunners to start at centre-back for Barnsley next season.

Stendel's playing style suits his strengths

The German got Barnsley promoted last season while playing a brand of enthusiastic, high-pressing football and Halme looks capable of fitting into this mould.

He functioned under a similar philosophy at Leeds last season, and he looks comfortable with the ball at his feet while also being a tall and capable defender.

The similarities between both side's approaches will not only be of benefit to the player, but also to Barnsley as they look to bed in the Finnish defender.

Barnsley are set for a testing return to the Championship, but this could well be a challenge that benefits Halme in the long term.