Jim O’Brien pens Barnsley deal

Barnsley winger Jim O’Brien has agreed a new two-year deal but midfielder Jacob Butterfield is still looking to leave Oakwell.

O’Brien, 24, joined the Tykes from Scottish club Motherwell two summers ago but struggled with groin problems last season.

Manager Keith Hill said: “But for injury last season he would have been outstanding. I’m really excited about the prospect of working with Jim for at least another two seasons.”

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Butterfield, meanwhile, is still recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury but is out of contract and refusing to sign a new deal.

Newcastle United and Reading are among the clubs chasing his signature.

“If we could sign Jacob Butterfield – it would be a marquee signing,” admitted Hill. “But Jacob is exercising his rights and his options which any football player at this time of the year will do.”

The Tykes have yet to make their first signing of the summer.

Hill revealed that he had been speaking to players in Portugal and is keen to land a centre-back.