What Barnsley FC target Max Watters had to say about his time at Oakwell as striker linked with return move to club from Championship outfit Cardiff City

The Reds are hoping to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis from Cardiff City as they bid to bolster their striking options ahead of the 2023-24 season.

The 24-year-old, who spent a spell earlier in his career in South Yorkshire at Doncaster Rovers, scored four goals in 21 appearances in a mixed loan spell.

Some niggling injury issues, a dismissal against Cambridge United and the form of Devante Cole and James Norwood stymied his progress somewhat, but the forward did show several flashes of his talent during his time at Oakwell.

And with Cardiff having boosted their forward ranks with the summer additions of Yakou Meite and Ike Ugbo, who will complement Callum Robinson, Isaak Davies and Kion Etete, Watters has fallen further down the pecking order at his parent club.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post about his future at the end of last season, Watters, contracted with Cardiff until next summer, said: “I got a lot out of it. I like Barnsley, I like the fans, stadium and area and it has all been good.

“It was pretty good. To come to a successful team like Barnsley who were doing well in the league was where everyone wants to be.

"To come and contribute as much as I can to a team who wants to get promoted was the main benefit.

“The main thing for me was scoring against Sheffield Wednesday (in the league) and ultimately it was about helping the team and learning as much as I can."