Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane on transfer window state of play with Davis Keillor-Dunn and an admission

After an excellent maiden campaign at Oakwell last term, Keillor-Dunn has re-confirmed his reputation as one of League One's top strikers in 2025-26 and has notched 14 goals in all competitions this term.

It has prompted more speculation regarding his future and specifically Championship interest. The 28-year-old joined the Reds on the final day of the summer window in 2024 on a three-year deal.

On suggestions that the Reds are open to offers, Hourihane said: "No, I don't think it's as clear as 'that is correct'.

"I don't think we're going out there broadly and saying Davo is available to be sold. I think that's not right at all, really.

"But I do think that, you know, everyone's got a value.

"Everyone's got a position, everyone. And that's at Barnsley, by the way. Or if we went and put three million on the table for a Bolton player, no doubt we'd get him as well.

"So I think everyone's got a value. At this level particularly, if someone comes in and puts the right money on the table for any player, you have to consider it, unfortunately.

"I'm not saying that's the case, but are we going out and telling clubs that we're selling Davo? Absolutely not.

"I think it's typical agents and looking after their clients and trying to get suitors and what not.

"You know, it's typical this time of season, really. Look, the amount of things you see on social media is just stark. And if you believe everything that you read, then we're all in a bit of trouble. I think it's a bit of nonsense, really."

Recent signing Eoghan O'Connell could feature in Monday's glamour FA Cup tie at Liverpool if he comes through an under-21 outing against Manchester City today.

On the decision to move for the former Wrexham defender, a free agent, Houirhane added: "Eoghan's someone I've known for a long time, really now. Obviously, we were on the lookout for a central defender and we wanted someone who could come in the building pretty quickly.

"I think, obviously, him being a free agent makes that a lot easier. If you have someone attached to another club, it can take time and what not. I think it was really important just to get someone in with experience, with a bit of know-how for the level.

"We didn't want to bring in someone young because we felt like it was an important signing for us in general, if I'm being honest.

"There was a couple of people in the frame to come in, some were attached to clubs and then you're looking at maybe the last week of the window and with our schedule coming up, we're pretty busy. By the time another player comes in the building, it could be four or five games gone.

"Our 21s are playing against Man City, so he's playing a 21s game today, which I was really keen for him to do and he was really up for it.

"He'll be involved on Monday in the game as well, so if we can get him minutes at Liverpool to add to the 21s minutes today, that would put him in a decent place heading into all the league fixtures.”