Leeds United defender, Tom Pearce is being linked with a permanent move to Barnsley according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. 

Pearce has struggled for game time with the Whites in recent years, and spent last season on loan with League One side, Scunthorpe United.

In total, the left-back made nine appearances for Scunthorpe, but was unable to stop them from being relegated into League Two after a disappointing league campaign.

It seems as though Pearce's days at Elland Road are numbered, and he could be tempted to follow some of his former team-mates to Barnsley before the transfer window closes.

Barnsley have already signed some of Leeds' brightest young talents, with Aapo Halme and Mallik Wilks arriving at Oakwell earlier in the transfer window.

Daniel Stendel will be keen to add some strength in depth to his squad before the new season gets underway, as they look to retain their Championship status after winning promotion from League One last term.

It's going to be a tough ask for the Tykes, but with Stendel in charge, supporters will fancy their chances of pulling off some upsets during next season.

Barnsley get their new league campaign underway with a tricky fixture against Fulham, who will be targeting an immediate return to the Premier League.

The Verdict: 

This would be the best move for both parties.

Pearce isn't going to be getting anywhere near the Leeds first-team this season, and it certainly wouldn't come as a surprise to see him leaving Elland Road before the transfer window closes.

A move to Barnsley could be tempting for the defender, but he'll want first-team assurances ahead of the new season.