January Transfer Window Latest – Former Leeds United defender back in Yorkshire with Barnsley

The Forest Green centre-back, 21, who has previously had two loan spells at Harrogate Town, has penned a four-and-a-half year deal.

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

On heading back to Yorkshire with Barnsley, also linked with MK Dons forward Carlton Morris, Kitching said: “I am delighted. When the move came about, I did not think twice about it. It is a massive club and to move up from League Two to the Championship and get back home up north, I am just excited for the challenge.”

Influential loan midfielder Matty James has headed back to parent club Leicester City after his half-season loan ended at the weekend and is now set to join Coventry City for the rest of the campaign.

The Lancastrian, 29, played 15 times for the club and revealed his hopes that he would be able to remain at the club for the rest of the season when speaking to the media just before Christmas.

Barnsley chief executive officer Dane Murphy commented: “I cannot overstate the gratitude I have for all that Matty has done for the club in the first half of the season.

“His ability, character, and leadership have impacted the squad in a way that cannot be quantified. He will be missed at every level and I am happy that he has been able to prove he is still an elite player.”

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.

Middlesbrough have made their first capture of the January window by bringing in former Millwall keeper Jordan Archer on a short-term deal following Dejan Stojanovic’s loan move to German club FC St Pauli for the remainder of 2020-21.

Archer, 27, arrives after a spell in Scotland with Motherwell and will understudy first-choice keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Bradford City captain Richard O’Donnell will be out for 12 weeks with a torn thigh muscle.

The goalkeeper missed the Bantams’ last League Two outing at home to Port Vale, and saw a specialist in London on Monday.

He said: “It is very disappointing to have been ruled out, particularly given the form we are currently on and how much we are all enjoying our football.

“I am gutted to not be able to help the team continue picking up points, but will be doing everything I can to support them while unable to play.”

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