Lee Johnson buoyed by extended deals for Barnsley duo

Lloyd Isgrove will remain with Barnsley on loan for the remainder of the campaign (Picture: Tony Johnson).

Isgrove will remain at Oakwell from Southampton for the rest of the season, while Burnley centre-long Long has extended his loan up to and including the game at Swindon Town on January 30.

The news follows the Reds’ loan captures of midfielder Josh Brownhill and striker Ashley Fletcher earlier this month and the re-signing of Aidan White on a deal until the summer – with head coach Lee Johnson also working behind the scenes on other potential deals.

Johnson, running the rule over ex-Middlesbrough and Reading defender Andre Bikey, a free agent after leaving the Indian Super League, said: “We have many plans in place. We are also looking at players out of contract in the summer that you might be able to sign on a pre-contract now.

“Not only that, but players who are out of contract at the end of summer who may be getting paid up from their respective clubs.”

Meanwhile, Johnson confirmed that Harry White could be involved in this weekend’s game with visiting Rochdale with the young striker having propelled himself into the first team picture.

Fellow non-league recruit and rookie forward Bradley Ash also has an outside chance of making the bench, following his switch from Weston-super-Mare.

Another side busy in the transfer market this month are Rotherham United, who have secured the permanent signing of ex-Leeds United striker Luciano Becchio for the rest of the season.

The Argentinian free agent, 32, has been training with the club this month and has impressed sufficiently enough to earn a short-term contract.

Becchio, who saw a brief loan spell at the Millers interrupted by a serious heel injury in October 2014, said: “I am happy to come back to Rotherham.

“I have been working very hard in Majorca and with my family for a couple of months. I am ready to play now. It is a good chance for me to come back here and show what I can do.”

The Millers are also close to signing another attacking player on loan from a rival Championship club, with Lewis Buxton able to feature again with his contractual situation now resolved.