Leeds United are set to lose another academy talent, as Tom Pearce has followed Bailey Peacock-Farrell in requesting a move away from Elland Road, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old defender has been linked with potential moves out of West Yorkshire this summer, with Greek Super League outfit Aris Thessaloniki credited with interest in a potential loan deal, while Championship new boys Barnsley were recently tipped to be chasing a permanent transfer.
A move to Oakwell would see Pearce earn a considerable pay-rise on what he has been earning with United since his breakthrough into senior football, while reuniting the left-back with former Whites duo Malik Wilks and Aapo Halme.
The Tykes are yet to agree a fee with Leeds for the academy product’s services, but has been identified by Reds boss Daniel Stendel as someone capable of moving to his recently promoted side and challenging his established full-back Daniel Pinillos.
Pearce is understood to have issued a quit threat to the club after being attracted by the prospect of a move away having been shunned by Marcelo Bielsa and forced to train away from the first-team, following a season of rare appearances for United before joining Scunthorpe on loan.
A move is expected to be completed before the August 8 deadline, which could see Pearce follow Peacock-Farrell in leaving United in the next week after Leeds accepted a £3.5million bid from Burnley.
The club are now on the hunt for the 22-year-old’s replacement.