League One play-off chasers Barnsley are reportedly eyeing up a late swoop for a current third tier forward, as they aim to add more goals to their side.
Darrell Clarke’s side were held to a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Burton Albion and are now winless in their last four league games, losing three of them and scoring just two goals in the process.
However, despite facing competition from Mansfield Town, it appears as though Barnsley are keen to secure an experienced forward to join their ranks before Monday’s deadline.
According to a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Barnsley are keen to strike a deal to sign Blackpool forward Jordan Rhodes.
Nixon reports that the club are open to either a loan or permanent deal, with Barnsley keen to wrap up a move before the transfer window slams shut.
How has he fared so far this season?
Rhodes is a proven EFL goalscorer but has struggled to hit the ground running so far this season, though a lot of his appearances have been as a substitute.
He spent last season on loan at Blackpool from Huddersfield Town before joining them permanently in the summer.
However, during his 28 outings in all competitions so far this season, he’s scored three goals and provided an additional assist but is yet to score in League One thus far.
Is there space for Blackpool to let him go?
During the January transfer window thus far, Blackpool have lost key striker Kyle Joseph for a seven-figure fee to Hull City, leaving a gap in the striking department.
However, the club have added attacking reinforcements already this window with the likes of Stoke City’s Niall Ennis (loan) and Shrewsbury Town’s Tom Bloxham (permanently) joining the League One side.
This in turn has freed up space for Blackpool to let another forward leave and that seems to be the case for Jordan Rhodes.
Is this a good move for Barnsley?
On paper this appears to be an intriguing decision by Barnsley if they were to win the race for Rhodes, simply due to his lack of goals and their need for a goalscorer.
However, Rhodes has consistently proven to be reliable with the right service and would allow him to return to Yorkshire, where he’s been before with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town.
Barnsley also have younger players in their ranks so the addition of an experienced player could make a vital difference both on the pitch and behind the scenes.