Sheffield United had been linked with a move for the former Southampton defender, who signed for Barnsley on Tuesday.
Former Southampton defender Jason McCarthy
New Barnsley recruit Jason McCarthy has admitted to BBC Radio Sheffield that he did hold talks over a move to Sheffield United.
McCarthy signed a three-year deal at Oakwell on Tuesday, after an undisclosed fee was agreed with the full-back’s former club Southampton.
The 21-year-old – who can also play further up the right flank as well in central defence – impressed on loan to League One Walsall this past season and was said to have interest from Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United [The Sun].
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder
Nevertheless, McCarthy revealed that after speaking to Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom – and former Tykes loanee Lloyd Isgrove, both of whom are former Sheffield Wednesday players – moving to Oakwell was a “no-brainer”.
“There was a few interested clubs,” McCarthy told BBC Radio Sheffield on Wednesday evening, “but, you know, I’m very happy with this one. I wouldn’t have picked anyone else.”
Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom
And when asked if one of them was Sheffield United, he replied: “Yeah… 1-0 Barnsley.”
It is unlikely that United will care too much about McCarthy’s decision, having secured the signing of Milton Keynes Dons’ George Baldock hours after Barnsley’s announcement.
New Sheffield United recruit George Baldock
Baldock, 24, has also signed a three-year deal in South Yorkshire and becomes the Blades’ fourth summer recruit.
Will McCarthy regret picking Barnsley over Sheffield United?
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