BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel remained tight-lipped about the future of Blackpool-linked defender Josh Earl after he was left out of the Reds' squad for the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Crewe Alexandra at Oakwell.

Earl, who impressed in the weekend league draw at Doncaster Rovers, has been targetted by the Seasiders ahead of the window closure on Monday.

Luca Connell, who has had interest in the past, most notably from Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town, was also not involved, although he had a slight injury issue.

There are likely to be ins and outs before the end of the window.

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.

Barnsley are pushing for a striker and are also keen on Sheffield United attacking midfielder Louie Marsh, with Blades chief Chris Wilder revealing their interest late last week.

They are one of several clubs also thought to be interested in Colchester United forward Samson Tovide.

Defensively, the Reds are close to completing the season-long loan signing of Blackburn Rovers centre-half Connor O'Riordan.

Stendel said: "Before we announce something, we cannot say yes or no, because in the past, last week we had some names in our heads, it was close before and then it's not happening. I have the experience to wait. And when it's really signed then I would say yes.”

Barnsley's Josh Earl, pictured in action last season. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

On Earl’s possible exit, Stendel said: "At the moment I have no news for you and I'm waiting for things that will happen. I said before on Monday we were looking for some new players for the squad and some other players would leave us.

"But at the moment there's nothing announced and maybe tomorrow, maybe at the end of the week, but we're still working for that.”

On the situation with Connell, he added: “We decided that we want to start with Blandy (Jono Bland) and Luca was a little bit injured, he had some problems. He tried yesterday (Monday) to train, but he stopped it and then we decided it was better.

The Reds booked themselves a place in round three after scoring three times in nine first-half minutes as they came from behind to beat Crewe 3-2.

Reyes Cleary and Tyrese Noslin's quickfire goals turned the game around after Adrien Thibaut had given Crewe the lead before Corey O'Keeffe added a third for the hosts.

Joel Ewusi pulled one back for the Railwaymen but the Reds survived the late scare to progress.