Reds hope to keep young Red Devil

The Manchester United youngster has impressed during his time with Oakwell with the Reds speaking with Red Devils officials in a bid to keep him - although other clubs are interested.

Reds head coach Johnson is also in the market for other loan recruits with scope to do so following the departure of Leroy Lita to Notts County.

Meanwhile, one of Barnsley’s five loan signings, John O’Sullivan is rated at ‘70-30’ to be fit for Saturday’s game with the Saddlers, with Peter Ramage still sidelined.

On Pearson, Johnson said: “We are hoping to keep him longer. But at the end of the day, he is not our player and we have to abide by whatever Manchester United want.

“But certainly, the player is enjoying himself and has done very well. Listen, there will be other people interested in him as he’s a good player.

“He’s proved whatever people have expected him to prove at this level. Of course, we’d love to keep him and will do our utmost to do that.”

On the prospect of bringing in loan signings, Johnson added: “We have a little bit of scope to play with if we need to in the loan market and again if you can recruit well on that, it makes your squad stronger.

“We are certainly in the market and looking and have a few names. For whatever reason, it’s difficult times to get in decent match-fit loans as it’s obviously the business end (of the season) and people want to cover themselves.

“You have to get the right ones in and more importantly, the right personalities, to make sure that enhances the group and atmosphere.”