Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom has reportedly emerged as Leeds United's preferred successor to Thomas Christiansen.

On Sunday night, Leeds announced that they had parted company with Christiansen after seven games without a win in all competitions.

Former England boss Steve McClaren and Simon Grayson - who has previously managed the Yorkshire giants - have been linked with the position but according to Sky Sports News, the Championship outfit want to hold discussions with Heckingbottom.

Last week, the Tykes handed Heckingbottom a new long-term contract but it appears that they will still have to fend off the advances of one of their rivals.

The 40-year-old has only won 23 of his 83 matches in charge of Barnsley, but he successfully kept the club in the Championship last season after promotion from League One.