Sunderland and Portsmouth are weighing up a last-ditch loan move for Leeds United full-back Tom Pearce, though Championship side Barnsley remain in pole position for his signature, a source close to the player has exclusively confirmed to Football League World.

The 21-year-old is not part of Marcelo Bielsa's plans at Leeds and is set to be offloaded by Thursday's 5pm transfer deadline.

As per our source, Barnsley are looking to secure a permanent agreement for the defender, though things are 'some way' from being finalised, and Pompey and Sunderland are weighing up loan moves for the youngster.

Pearce was shipped out on loan to Scunthorpe United last season in January, where he made nine appearances for the Iron, scoring one goal.

Barnsley have already done a fair bit of business with Leeds this summer, having sealed deals for Mallik Wilks and Aapo Halme, and Tom Pearce is seemingly next on the agenda for them, though they do face League One competition.

Pearce has made appearances for the England under-20 and under-21 sides and will be keen to find a club where he can exhibit his qualities on a regular basis.