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Report explains why Leeds United decided against signing Barnsley’s Andy Yiadom

Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Leeds United looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on A...
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Paul Heckingbottom was keen to reunite with his former Barnsley captain Yiadom at Leeds United – but he’s reportedly joining Championship rivals Reading.

Andy Yiadom of Barnsley battles for the ball with Tomer Hemed and Anthony Knockaert of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brighton & Hove Albion and...

So after weeks of speculation linking him with a move to Elland Road, it seems that Andy Yiadom will not be reuniting with Paul Heckingbottom at Leeds United after all.

The Barnsley captain is out of contract in a few weeks’ time and, with director of football Victor Orta keen to bring in more homegrown, Championship proven talents, Yiadom was understood to be on Leeds’ radar.

Heckingbottom knew the Ghana international well, after all, with Yiadom thriving under the 40-year-old since moving to Oakwell from Barnet in the summer of 2016.

Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Leeds United looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on April 3, 2018 in London, England.

But the Yorkshire Evening Post is now reporting that Yiadom is set to undergo a medical at Championship rivals Reading instead and could seal a switch to the Madejski within a few hours’ time.

And it is understood that Leeds eventually decided against making a formal offer for the 26-year-old.

Andy Yiadom(C) of Barnsley challenged by Anthony Knockaert (L) and Glenn Murray of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Sky Bet Championship match between Barnsley and Brighton & Hove Albion...

The YEP claims that Leeds decided that they did not need another right-back with Luke Ayling, Louie Coyle and Gaetano Berardi all fighting for one position in Heckingbottom’s back four.

The versatile Yiadom can play at left-back instead but, the report adds, Leeds did not want another right-footed player forced to fill in on the opposite flank, perhaps a response to the struggles endured by Vurnon Anita in an ill-fitting role last season.

It is understood that Reading will tie Yiadom down to a four-year deal.