Barnsley sign highly-rated Derby County winger Luke Thomas

The 20-year-old, who enjoyed a successful loan spell in League One at Coventry City last term, has signed a long-term four-year deal.

The Gloucestershire-born player scored five times in 44 appearances for the Sky Blues, including a fine strike in the 2-2 draw at Oakwell in the Spring.

On joining the Reds, Thomas said: "I am very excited to join a club like Barnsley. It’s a young, talented side and they proved that last season when they got promoted, so I’ am very happy to be here and, hopefully, I can bring something new to the team.

“I thought Barnsley were probably the best team in the division (League One); they are very hard-working and can keep the ball very well, and it is a team that I will love to play in.”

Cheltenham Town are entitled to 15 per cent on the fee after bringing Thomas through the ranks before selling him to the Rams when he was 16 in January 2016.

Thomas found opportunities hard to come by at Pride Park and made just two brief substitute appearances against QPR and Bolton Wanderers - despite being handed a four-year deal last summer.

Bristol City were also linked with a summer move for the pacey winger.

Thomas's arrival follows on from the earlier addition of Mike-Steven Bahre following a successful loan.

Meanwhile, Barnsley have confirmed that goalkeeping coach John Vaughan has left the club.