Barnsley FC speaking to players about new deals, confirms Dane Murphy

On the pitch, the Reds are currently focusing their energies on securing participation in the Championship play-offs following a remarkable run of form under Valerien Ismael.

His side currently occupy the final play-off position and with five matches to go, they hold a five-point advantage over Bournemouth, who are the team just outside of the top six.

It remains to be seen whether Barnsley will be playing as a Premier League or second-tier club next term, but behind the scenes, the Oakwell hierarchy are looking at the bigger picture and are in talks with some players regarding fresh terms and intend to speak with others in the near future.

The most prominent player who is out of contract in the summer is captain Alex Mowatt who his yet to agree fresh terms. But the club are talking to other players as well.

Murphy said: “We have a couple who we are speaking to and several others who we will speak to at the end of the season.

“We have to be smart in terms of what we are doing right now. Results are going so well and the momentum and trajectory of the club is such that everyone wants to stay a part of it.

“We have had positive talks and we will continue those. I don’t think anything is being done imminently, but there are steps that are being taken to keep some of the group around who are on shorter years (remaining on contracts).”

Acknowledging that the clubs outstanding feats under Ismael has increased interest levels in a number of players, he continued: “Even before the run we went on, there are quite a few of our players who were getting a lot of interest.

“The spotlight now has shone even brighter on a few and that is part of sport. There are interest levels, but we have a young, dedicated group who are focusing on the end of this season and taking the club as far as we can go.”

On the situation with Mowatt, he added: “It is pretty much as you were. We have a very good relationship with Alex and his group and we continue to have talks and with some things, we have been going back and forth on. But we are steady as you go with Alex right now.”