Barnsley decided against Bowyer but should target his loanee Longstaff

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Championship strugglers Barnsley considered appointing Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer, who has got the best out of Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff.

Barnsley had a number of names in mind as they look to replace Paul Heckingbottom in the dugout.

Their 42-year-old manager made the sudden and surprising move to local rivals Leeds United recently just days after signing a new rolling contract at Oakwell. And, in the days after, Barnsley were linked with a number of potential replacements with the Daily Record claims that they wanted a new man in charge before next Tuesday’s crucial clash with relegation rivals Burton Albion.

And the Mirror (page 56, February 15) reported that Blackpool boss Gary Bowyer is under consideration.

The 46-year-old’s stock is high right now after transforming a Blackpool side who suffered successive relegations by leading them to promotion from League Two via the play-offs last season.

Bowyer did not get the job, however. Instead, the nod went to Jose Morais, a little-known 52-year-old who has coached at some of Europe’s biggest clubs alongside Jose Mourinho, including Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Yet despite choosing Morais over Bowyer, Barnsley should still make a move to raid Blackpool in the near future for their loan star Sean Longstaff.

As reported by the Chronicle, the Newcastle United academy star is being targeted by a number of clubs with his contract at St James’ Park due to expire in 2019. Rangers, Scunthorpe and Bournemouth have all been linked with a midfielder who has enhanced his reputation with seven often spectacular goals on loan at Bloomfield Road this season.

Barnsley could certainly do with a player who has an eye for goal from distance. Their top scoring midfielder, Harvey Barnes, returned to Leicester City upon the expiry of his loan spell and former Blackpool star Brad Potts is the second most prolific with just two.

And if Newcastle are willing to let Longstaff leave again on loan, or sell for a cut-price deal with his contract running down, Barnsley should put themselves right at the front of the queue.

After all, the Tykes have developed a reputation for signing young promising players on cheap deals before selling them on for a big profit. Longstaff certainly fits the bill.