Barnsley FC sign former Leeds United defender Liam Kitching

The highly-rated centre-back, 21, who started his career at Leeds United and has had two loan spells at Harrogate Town, will add another defensive option for the Reds and his arrival fits in with their criteria of recruiting young and up-and-coming talent.

Left-sided central defender Kitching, who left Leeds in the summer of 2019, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal.

Kitching has featured 17 times for Rovers this term, with his last appearance coming in the win at former club Harrogate in early December.

He links up with former Leeds team-mates Clark Oduor and Aapo Halme at Oakwell.

On heading back to Yorkshire, he said: “I’m delighted. When the move came about I didn’t think twice about it. It’s a massive club and to move up from League Two to the

Championship and get back home up north, I’m just excited for the challenge.”

Reds chief executive officer Dane Murphy, added: “We are thrilled to add another talented player to our squad. Liam is a player who has demonstrated his ability with a number of outstanding performances in the Football League.

“Valérien knows the characteristics that Liam possesses, and his arrival not only adds more quality to the team, but more healthy competition for places.The club believe he will go onto become a great success at Oakwell."

Meanwhile, young midfielder Matty Wolfe has signed a loan extension with Notts County and will remain on loan at the National League outfit for the rest of the season.