Reyes Cleary on Barnsley’s Exit List as Championship Interest Grows

Barnsley are set to sell wing wizard Reyes Cleary this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

The 21-year-old was the source of major Championship interest earlier this season. 

As previously reported by SportsBoom the likes of Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United were all interested in the rising star.

It is understood a number of bids were rejected for the forward by the Tykes.

Our sources understand Oakwell bosses were loathe to lose both Cleary and Davis Keillor-Dunn on deadline day as his asking price exponentially rose in the final stages of the winter window.

Sources in South Yorkshire have been told the Tykes are unlikely to fetch the rumoured £3million asking fee for the player.

But they are still set for a decent seven-figure sum for their prized asset when the season comes to an end.

Bristol City are firming up their interest in the player, whilst Chris Wilder’s Blades are still running the rule over the young gun. 

As previously reported Blackburn Rovers were priced out of a move, but are keen to revisit a potential deal if the price is right.

Former employers West Bromwich Albion are also keeping a keen eye of developments.

Championship-Bound Talent

Clearly penned a three-year deal with the club last year, with the Tykes holding an option for a fourth year.

The former WBA youngster moved to Oakwell on a free after he was released by the Midlands club.

He has scored six goals in League One this term and has impressed with his performances under Conor Hourihane, most notably against Premier League Liverpool in the FA Cup. 

Amid reports of a reduced playing budget next season, CAO Jon Flatman said earlier this week: “The figures quoted are simply incorrect. However, we do need to work smarter and ensure that every element of the budget is used effectively. We cannot continue to depend indefinitely on owner investment from Neerav [Parekh, Chairman] and the Cryne family.”

“In discussions with several League One owners and CEOs, it is clear that across the division there is a growing recognition that clubs must reduce losses, operate more efficiently and create stable financial models for the years ahead.”