Updated: Barnsley FC - January Transfer Window needs and priorities

Transfer priorities: The Reds have completed two key pieces of business nice and early.

They have plugged the void vacated by the departure of Jacob Brown to Stoke by compleying the signing of striking target Carlton Morris for an undisclosed fee.

Morris, who was recalled from a loan spell at MK Dons before heading to Oakwell, offers a physical and pacy presence in the frontline. He has spent two previous spells in Yorkshire on loan at Rotherham United.

The successful move for Morris followed on from the completion the signing of another defender to add competition in the shape of former Forest Green centre-back Liam Kitching, the club's first capture of the window.

Kitching, who started his career at Leeds, is another player who meets the club’s criteria of purchasing up-and-coming players with re-sale value.

Another midfield option following Matty James's return to parent club Leicester City - he has seen joined Coventry City on loan - is on the wish-list for the Reds, alongside another option on the left of defence, potentially.

With the new rules after leaving the EU, Barnsley are concentrating on domestic talent in terms of newcomers. It is an attractive club to join for aspiring and emerging young players.

On the outgoing front, Ismael has spoken about several players being unhappy about their lack of first-team action and a number could leave either permanently or, more likely, on loan.

Movement has arrived with out-of-favour winger Elliot Simoes - who has not featured under Ismael since early November and was criticized for a lack of intensity and seriousness in training by the Reds' head coach - joining Doncaster Rovers on loan for the rest of the season.

Luke Thomas is a target for Sunderland and Oxford, with the former leading the race. Mike Bahre’s future could be resolved, while the likes of Patrick Schmidt and Brad Collins have struggled for game time.

For most, keeping hold of the 'family silver' in the likes of Callum Styles, Cauley Woodrow, Mads Andersen and Jack Walton is the priority this month, with seasoned supporters mindful of the fact that several stars have left the club in the new year in years gone by following big-money offers from rivals, who are able to offer much higher wages.

Keeping Alex Mowatt at the club is another key area.

Ins: Liam Kitching (Forest Green, undisclosed), Carlton Morris (Norwich City, undisclosed).

Outs: Jordan Green (mutual consent), Matty James (loan return, Leicester City), Elliot Simoes (Doncaster Rovers, loan), Matty Wolfe (Notts County, loan extension).