Wigan are set to sign Leeds United's Tom Pearce from under the noses of Barnsley, according to Adam Pope via BBC Manchester.

The Tykes had looked set to land the full-back but it now appears that Wigan are closing on a £300k deal.

Pearce could become Paul Cook's ninth signing of the summer and it promises to be a busy end to the transfer window for the club, with Ryan Shotton also being looked at as a defensive reinforcement.

The 21-year-old could come straight into the Latics starting line-up, but given his inexperience - he has only made 19 professional appearances - it is likely he will be regarded as one for the future.

Paul Cook has Danny Fox and Antonee Robinson, whom he signed only this summer, as options at left-back, and therefore the Leeds man will have a big task on his hands to break into the first-team.

The Verdict

Pearce could be a useful addition for The Latics and at only £300k he is a relatively low-risk signing who has the potential to develop into a top Championship defender.

Paul Cook is brilliant at helping his players to progress so that bodes well for the youngster, but if he is to reach his potential then he will need game time, which he is unlikely to get at Wigan currently.

He needs to work on the attacking side of his game in order to become a complete full-back, but learning from the experienced Danny Fox in training should help him develop his understanding and reading of the game.