Derby County have been linked with one of the standout wingers in League One and the door may have just opened for them to make their move
Reyes Cleary (left) is said to be a target for Derby County.
Barnsley may have just opened the door to Reyes Cleary’s exit from Oakwell amid ongoing to links to Derby County and Bristol City.
The Tykes have signed winger Clayton Taylor from Newcastle Jets who plays the same position as they look for a much-improved performance in League One next term.
His arrival may now lead to Cleary being given the green light to leave the club with his future under significant scrutiny after some excellent performances last term.
He scored seven goals and registered 13 assists in League One and also impressed in an FA Cup tie at Liverpool where he won man of the match.
Cleary was linked with a Championship move back in January but speculation continues to surround the 22-year-old who has plenty of admirers.
Derby are looking to bolster their wide options this summer as a priority having seen Ben Brerton Diaz return to Southampton while Jaydon Banel’s loan spell from Burnley also ended.
Corey Blackett-Taylor has reported back for pre-season training but he faces a critical summer as he enters the last year of his contract and spent the second-half of last season on loan at Bolton that was interrupted by injury.
Before his move to Barnsley from West Brom, Cleary had only made seven first-team appearances for the Baggies before he left for Oakwell.
Jon Flatman, Barnsley’s chief executive, did admit that a departure is likely from Oakwell with Patrick Kelly, Luca Connell, Adam Phillips and Cleary valued assets.
“I’m sure there’ll be at least one sale this summer,” Flatman said. “But what there’ll also be is recruitment on the other side. That’s really exciting that the money can go on even better players than those that are leaving.”
The Reds have already received approaches for Cleary, having rejected offers of up to £3million in January, and Flatman said: “There has been interest in Reyes this summer and we’ll continue to monitor that situation as we’ve said all along.
“He is a quality footballer and quality footballers will attract attention from other clubs. His age makes him a very exciting option for clubs.
“But Reyes Cleary will leave the club when the numbers are right for Barnsley FC. We’ve shown strength in that in January, and we’ll show strength again this summer if we need to.
“We’ve given Reyes a great platform and he’s taken that opportunity with both hands. We hope he continues to reward the club and himself.”
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Derby Telegraph’s Derby County writer, Leigh Curtis
The transfer window is now open, the signings are being linked and players could be heading for the exit door at Pride Park as it promises to be a pre-season of change at the club.
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