Video: New face set to arrive for Barnsley as Reece Wabara exits

BARNSLEY are set to complete the signing of a midfielder on loan later today.
GONE: Reece Wabara has left Oakwell.
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeGONE: Reece Wabara has left Oakwell.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
GONE: Reece Wabara has left Oakwell. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The Reds were active in the transfer market seven days ago, bringing in young Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher - and have now switched their attentions to bringing in another midfield option with Preston’s Josh Brownhill being strongly linked with a move to Oakwell.

Lee Johnson refused to comment on speculation regarding Brownhill on Thursday morning - but did confirm he was close to bringing in a new addition with the move for a young midfielder at a ‘reasonably advanced stage.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “We have one more pending, so we will see what happens today.

GONE: Reece Wabara has left Oakwell.
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeGONE: Reece Wabara has left Oakwell.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
GONE: Reece Wabara has left Oakwell. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

“We do need to strengthen in midfield. We have only got Josh Scowen, who is coming back from injury and it is the toss of a coin whether he recovers from that and Conor Hourihane.

“Behind that, we have only got young players.

“There’s no secret we are looking to strengthen in that area

Meanwhile, defender Reece Wabara - a target of Wigan - has officially left the club, Johnson added.

Barnsley manager Lee Johnson.
 Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeBarnsley manager Lee Johnson.
 Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Barnsley manager Lee Johnson. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Reds offered Wabara fresh terms, with the ex-Doncaster Rovers player rejecting their overtures, with James Bree now likely to be handed an extended run in the side.

Johnson also confirmed that he is hoping to extend Kevin Long’s loan, which finishes shortly.

Josh Scowen could return to the fray in ‘seven to 14 days time’, but the club are still unsure how long Marley Watkins could be out.

Watkins will continue to be assessed, with Johnson admitting his absence could vary from between two weeks to six.