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Phil Hay confirms defender exit “looking likely”, many Leeds fans react: ‘Not now’, ‘Feeder club’

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Image for Phil Hay confirms defender exit “looking likely”, many Leeds fans react: ‘Not now’, ‘Feeder club’

Barnsley are ready to meet United’s valuation of Tom Pearce ahead of a late summer transfer to Oakwell, according to The Athletic’s respected Leeds journalist Phil Hay.

The two clubs have been in negotiations regarding a potential deal for the past few weeks, as Marcelo Bielsa does not see the 21-year-old defender as someone who will play a part in his plans this season following a bit-part role last term.

Tykes boss Daniel Stendel has been eying Pearce this summer as he is keen to boost his defensive numbers at left-back, and a move is now “looking likely”, according to Hay.

Leeds Live, meanwhile, note that Pearce is expecting his move to go through before Thursday’s deadline, after training with fellow Bielsa outcast Conor Shaughnessy near York in a bid to maintain fitness ahead of potential transfers away from Elland Road.

The England Under 21 international is likely to pen a three-year deal at Oakwell before the window slams shut, on personal terms close to what he has been earning in West Yorkshire for the past year, having signed a four-season contract little over twelve-months ago.

Bolton Wanderers had also sounded out a move for Pearce, who decided to join Aapo Halme and Malik Wilks at Barnsley in a six-figure deal, The Sun’s Alan Nixon believes will see Leeds bank £275,000.

Here’s how these Leeds fans reacting when Hay shared that a move is “looking likely”.

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