The leading contender in Leeds United's hunt to replace Thomas Christiansen, who was sacked last night, has emerged as Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom. 

That is according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay on Twitter, who reports that the Whites have not hung around in their search for a new man to replace Christiansen as they look to do a deal tonight.

Heckingbottom recently signed a contract extension at Leeds' Yorkshire rivals Barnsley after a protracted negotiation process that had worried some fans - although he was keen to emphasise his commitment to the club when he signed the new deal.

Christiansen was shown the exit door after a run of form that saw Leeds fail to muster a win since the 2-1 Boxing Day win against Burton Albion, who are now battling Barnsley for survival.

The Verdict

I think this would be a brilliant move from Leeds. Heckingbottom is a brilliant manager but he has a tough decision to make now.

Does he show his hard nosed ambition and leave Barnsley for their Yorkshire rivals so soon after committing his future to them or does he stick around and finish the job there as he agreed to?

Leeds fans - what are your thoughts on Heckingbottom's emergence as your number one target? Let us know in the comments below...