Barnsley FC head coach Conor Hourihane has insisted he is unaware of any formal bid for Reyes Cleary, despite reports linking the forward with a move to Blackburn Rovers.
The January transfer window has opened amid growing speculation around Barnsley’s most valuable assets, with Cleary emerging as a reported target for the Championship side. According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon page, Blackburn have already seen a six-figure offer rejected, with Barnsley said to be holding out for an improved bid or wider interest.
However, speaking after his side’s draw with Wigan Athletic, Hourihane told the Barnsley Chronicle he had no knowledge of any bid for the 21-year-old, and declined to comment on any specific transfer developments.
Cleary joined Barnsley from West Bromwich Albion in the summer and has quickly become a key figure at Oakwell. Despite a challenging campaign for the League One club, the versatile attacker has registered five goals and nine assists, underlining his importance to Hourihane’s side.
While unwilling to address the reported Blackburn interest directly, Hourihane did acknowledge that recruitment discussions are ongoing behind the scenes, with the Reds keen to strengthen their squad during the window.
“There are talks in the background,” he said. “We need some action pretty soon. Not having a fit defender on the bench is difficult. Like every other club, we will want some ins and outs.”
Hourihane has also been clear that his preference is to retain his emerging talents rather than cashing in midway through the season. Speaking following Barnsley’s 2-0 defeat to Lincoln City on December 29, he reiterated his desire to build around younger players signed in the summer.
“We went a little bit younger at times in the summer to really get exciting players and to create assets,” he said. “We’re delighted to have them and we want to keep having them.
“Hopefully, come the end of the window, they’re here, because that’s what I want. I want to build around these players. But we understand the moment that we’re in as well, and if something does happen, we’ll approach that in the right way.”
Reyes Cleary Future
There is no doubt that Cleary is a talent. Watching at Oakwell against Lincoln, despite the miserable result, he did look to be one bright spark. He was powerful, direct, and while the end product wasn’t quite there, there is a raw talent that can definitely climb the divisions.
Blackburn need that. Against Wrexham yesterday, they were tepid in attack, and pressure in already building on Valérien Ismaël. Having perhaps seen the success of another raw wide man from League One, Jovon Makama, Championship clubs are feeling more confident about fishing in the waters below.