Andy Yiadom claims he’s a ‘big old leader’ – just what Leeds need this summer

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Leeds United are reportedly pursuing Barnsley’s Andy Yiadom.

Leeds United’s play-off hopes appear to be all but dead, and that means manager Paul Heckingbottom may already have one eye on the summer transfer window.

The Whites lost 2-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, meaning a top six finish is virtually out of reach, and changes need to come this summer.

New manager Heckingbottom hasn’t enjoyed the greatest start to life at Elland Road, but will surely be given the chance to bring in his own players – and that may involve returning for players he has previously worked with.

The Yorkshire Evening Post report that Heckingbottom wants to reunite with Barnsley defender Andy Yiadom, who is out of contract this summer and can move on for free.

A Ghanaian international with two caps to his name, the 26-year-old has been a consistent performer for Barnsley since his 2016 move from Barnet, but now appears ready to move on.

Last week, Yiadom spoke to the Yorkshire Post about being captain of the Tykes this season and their fight against relegation, and admitted that he sees himself as a ‘big old leader’.

Yiadom wants to lead on the pitch and guide his team to ‘good things’, but won’t shout for the sake of shouting even if he’s wearing the armband.

“I am a leader. A big old leader,” said Yiadom. “I am not one who is going to shout at someone on the pitch just for the sake of it. I will give them a word, so they actually listen to it. A word and a look – and I will give them a kiss after.”

“It is not just a case of wearing the armband and going out there. It does mean much more than that to me and it did at Barnet. I just want to try and lead the team to do good things,” he added.

Those comments will be music to the ears of Leeds fans, who will immediately take to that kind of attitude, whilst adding a leader to what has been a fairly suspect Leeds back four this season is just what Heckingbottom needs.

Whether he is being lined up as a right back or as a left back, Yiadom makes perfect sense for Leeds on a free transfer – and his comments about his leadership skills should make him a popular target amongst the Elland Road fanbase.