Exclusive: Barrow Make Late Move for Salford Striker Cole Stockton

Barrow have enquired about a late move for Salford City striker Cole Stockton, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Our sources have been told the Bluebirds held exploratory talks with the Ammies earlier in the window and were told a move would be possible if Salford signed reinforcements up front. 

The Bluebirds are desperate for more firepower to help them avoid the drop back to non-league football and Stockton fits the bill. 

Our sources understand National League Morecambe are also lurking as they try to bring the 31-year-old hitman back to the club. 

Salford have signed Ryan Graydon from Fleetwood Town already this window and are also pushing hard to sign Swindon Town’s Aaron Drinan on deadline day. 

Ian Holloway’s Swindon are understood to have already turned down two bids for League Two’s top goal getter and are adamant he is not for sale no matter how much Salford offer.

Getting another striker through the door would likely facilitate Stockton’s move to Barrow in the closing stages of deadline day. 

Barrow are also exploring a move for non-league striker Matt Rush as they look to boost their attacking options.

Eye For Goal

Stockton signed for Salford from Burton Albion in 2024 and his deal at the club ends in the summer.

He has bagged 17 league goals in 53 games since making the move, but has slipped down the pecking order this term and with Karl Robinson making additions to his frontline this window to boot, Stockton sees his future elsewhere. 

He enjoyed a loan spell at Barrow, where he scored seven goals in 17 games, prior to leaving Burton Albion for Salford.

During his time at Morecambe, Stockton netted 71 goals in 211 games in all competitions. 

Jim Bentley, the Shrimps’ previous long-standing manager, has just returned to the club and was the man who signed Stockton back in 2019.