Video: Barnsley knocked back by Everton over bid for loan midfielder

Williams, on a season-long loan at Oakwell, has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, but the Reds’ quest to secure the services of the Huyton-born player in a full-time capacity has come to nothing, as it stands.

Reports on Merseyside have suggested Barnsley have tabled a £1m bid.

Heckingbottom, who said that Andy Yiadom is facing a short spell out with a grade two ankle sprain, confirmed: “Yes, we did that (bid for Williams). That has come out; there are little bits of it that are true. I don’t know where it has all come from, whether it is Everton’s end or agent’s.

“There was a bid, but that was it.”

On whether it had been accepted or not, Heckingbottom added: “(It was) rejected. He has done great here and we wouldn’t have made a bid if we didn’t think otherwise.”

Adam Jackson has returned to training today as he steps up his recovery week.