Barnsley v Derby County: Tykes reject Vaz Te bid ahead of visit from tight Rams

The Portuguese winger has been in sparkling form since joining the Tykes last summer but has indicated that he will not be extending his stay beyond the end of the current season.

Manager Keith Hill, who was hoping to complete a deal last night for Exeter City defender Scott Golbourne said: “There’s been a bid (for Ricardo) – but it was a derisory offer and a bit disrespectful.

“There are players who have made less of an impact on the Championship this season, who’ve gone into the last six months of their contract, 27 years of age, and they’ve agreed a fee of a million pounds,” he added, referring to Wes Morgan’s move from Nottingham Forest to Leicester City.

“It’s a Catch-22. Do we take the money and run? Or do we utilise Ricardo from now until the end of the season? I’m very much of the opinion that Ricardo can still make a massive impact to this football club but I suppose that people who are representing Ricardo are probably trying to line their own pockets rather than looking for this to be a footballing decision for Ricardo.”

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce gave Vaz Te his big break in English football at Bolton Wanderers eight years ago.

He has struggled for consistency since and was a free agent when he joined the Tykes this summer after short spells at Hull City, Greek club Panionios, and Scottish club Hibernian.

The Tykes, who host Derby County tonight in the Championship, have signed midfield duo Michael Tonge, on loan from Stoke City until the end of the season, and Korry Smith, on a month’s loan from Norwich City, since their last game against Millwall 10 days ago.

Both will make their debuts tonight and could yet be joined by Golbourne, who was discussing a move to Oakwell yesterday.

A former England youth international, Golbourne has spent the last two and a half years with Exeter and played previously for both Reading and Bristol City.

The Tykes go into tonight’s game nine points adrift of the Championship top six but 12 points clear of the relegation zone. They have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions and are up against a side in Derby that has picked up 16 points from the last 18 available, while conceding only one goal.

Midfielder Miles Addison, meanwhile, has gone back to Derby at the end of his loan stay at Oakwell.

Last six games: Barnsley LWLLWL, Derby WWWWDL.

Last time: Derby 1 Barnsley 1; September 27, 2011; Championship.

Referee: KA Woolmer (Northamptonshire).