Barnsley’s skipper looks certain to be leaving Oakwell either this window or next but they are planning ahead with the pursuit of Stevie Mallan.
How do you replace the irreplaceable? Well, if Barnsley’s latest transfer rumour is to be believed, as reported by the Scottish Sun, by spending a six-figure sum on St Mirren’s Stevie Mallan.
They report that the Tykes are in talks with the Scottish Premiership side after keeping an eye on the 20-year-old’s progress for a number of months, with manager Paul Heckingbottom rating him as one of the most exciting talents north of the border.
The same publication adds that a number of Championship rivals have also expressed an interest in Mallan, meaning Barnsley will have to move quickly in the final few weeks of the transfer window to get their man.
An attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and a mean free-kick in his locker, Mallan could be construed as a potential long-term replacement for in-demand skipper Conor Hourihane, whose league-leading 11 assists have led Barnsley into the top half of the Championship.
Only just of his teenage years, Mallan has huge room for improvement though ample time to reach his potential.
However, the fact is that with Hourihane out of contract in the summer and determined to sign for Aston Villa, according to The Sun, Barnsley need a player capable of filling a huge void in their midfield.
The youthful Mallan could prove to be an astute addition but he will have huge shoes to fill, especially as the harsh reality dictates that the Tykes may be about to lose their captain for a fraction of his value.
Consequently, a replacement of similar quality appears beyond their reach.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
