BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel said that he is hopeful that the Reds will bring in a new striker at some point over the weekend.

The club’s search for a new forward option with League One pedigree has been well documented, with Stendel very keen to add to his numbers before the transfer deadline on Tuesday evening in that regard.

The Reds chief reports no developments regarding Reyes Cleary – subject of speculation throughout the summer window - and also said he knows nothing regarding reported late-season interest from Leicester City in midfielder Patrick Kelly.

Asked about any developments in terms of signing a new striker, Stendel, whose defensive options have been boosted by the arrival of Blackburn Rovers centre-half Connor O’Riordan, on a season-long loan with an option to buy, said: “Again, the same answer. When we announce something, then I'm happy.

Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel, whose second competitive stint in charge of the Reds got under way in the recent EFL Cup home tie against Wigan Athletic. Picture courtesy of BFC.

placeholder image — Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel, whose second competitive stint in charge of the Reds got under way in the recent EFL Cup home tie against Wigan Athletic. Picture courtesy of BFC.

"We're still waiting for the answer to those questions. But I believe on the weekend something will happen.

"At the moment, I think we play with the team plus Conor on Saturday.

“It's a long process. Because in the end, three parties are involved in decisions. And the money is also a big decider for us.

"We look for the best option that we can get at the moment. It's not so easy. But I hope until next Tuesday we have the options that we want to sign.”

New Barnsley signing Connor O'Riordan. Picture courtesy of BFC.

On Reyes and Kelly, he added: It's the first time that I hear from that (Kelly). I don't believe that would happen.

"We plan with him and we have no interest to sell him.

"I think since the transfer window opened, there's a lot of rumours about him (Cleary).

"Still now it's the same, but at the moment he is a player and he travels with us away to London and then we will see what happens after that.

"But at the moment I think he is still a player for Barnsley.”

Stendel confirmed he is hopeful that Luca Connell will feature in Saturday’s game at Leyton Orient after missing the midweek EFL Cup win over Crewe Alexandra with an injury issue.

He commented: “I got the information ten minutes ago that he would start to train today and I think when everything is OK today and tomorrow, then he is ready to play on Saturday.”