LEEDS United head coach Neil Redfearn has issued a hands-off warning to Wigan over midfielder Rudy Austin – but Jason Pearce is heading to the DW Stadium.

The Latics have been linked with a double swoop for both men as they seek to bolster their survival prospects before the transfer window closes.

Centre back Pearce did not train with Leeds today ahead of a move to Wigan but Redfearn is desperate to keep Jamaica midfielder Austin.

United make the short trip to derby rivals Huddersfield Town on Saturday lunchtime and Redfearn said: “Obviously I want to try and keep our better players and for me these are the sort of players that are going to benefit us for years to come.

“We’ve got a young squad and the good seniors we need to keep.

“Rudy has been in the side and, for me, he is not for sale, at all costs.

“The point of the matter is if we are climbing and we are building then you keep your better players and you add better players to it. You don’t let your better players go, simple as.”

Yet Pearce's departure looks all but certain and Redfearn admitted: “Obviously Wigan have shown a great interest in Jason and it might be that that’s the case.”

New signing Sol Bamba is in line to make his debut for Leeds and Redfearn, who is aiming to add a striker to his squad, expects Steve Morison to shake off a hip problem.