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Bielsa outcast set for Whites reunion as exit looms for rarely-seen Leeds man – report

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Image for Bielsa outcast set for Whites reunion as exit looms for rarely-seen Leeds man – report

Leeds United product Tom Pearce is being eyed as a potential signing for Barnsley, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Tykes boss Daniel Stendel is keen to boost his numbers at left-back before Deadline Day, as 20-year-old Ben Williams is currently serving as the understudy to Daniel Pinillos.

Williams was often left out of the matchday squad last season, however, with the former Blackburn academy player omitted from the teamsheet on 22 times during the Reds’ recent promotion campaign in League One.

It is now understood Stendel’s side have shown a strong interest in striking a permanent deal for Pearce, with United alleged to be open to offers for the Marcelo Bielsa outcast after he was left out of the Argentine’s pre-season plans.

Pearce was a rarely-seen member of the Whites first-team on the field at Elland Road following the boss’ arrival, with the Ormskirk-born left-back resigned to two sub-forty minute appearances before joining Scunthorpe on loan in January.

The 21-year-old earned more-regular minutes in the third-tier under Stuart McCall, but faced a reduced role under caretaker manager Andy Dawson as the Glanford Park natives dropped into League Two.

His forward ability on the wings of the Irons backline earned him admirers, but his defensive qualities continued to lack.

A loan exit had been on the cards for Pearce already this summer with Greek Super League side Aris Thessaloniki sounding out a loan move as United chiefs were believed to be pushing the Whites product toward a temporary exit.

The God of War have now turned their attention to another Bielsa outcast in Laurens de Bock, however, and are close to reaching an agreement for his transfer.

A move to Oakwell would see Pearce reunite with former Whites duo Aapo Halme and Malik Wilks, after the pair completed permanent moves to Barnsley earlier in the summer.

Like Pearce, Halme and Wilks’ futures, at first, looked set to be away from Elland Road on loan, before negotiations swiftly turned to striking permanent deals.

Football Insider, meanwhile, understand Barnsley are willing to offer Pearce a lucrative four-year contract in their bid to tempt him into a move, but are prepared to table a three-year deal with the option for a fourth.

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