Stoke City target Josh Edwards was the subject of a failed bid by Barnsley during the January transfer window, as confirmed via the Courier.
The 23-year-old has attracted the interest of several Championship sides ahead of a possible January switch, but it was Barnsley who came the closest to landing the defender but their bid was turned down.
Who is Josh Edwards?
The defender began his career with fellow Scottish side Airdrieonians before moving on to Dunfermline Athletic back in 2019 and has remained with the club ever since.
This season however, Edwards has delivered his best campaign to date for the Scottish Championship side as they sit eighth in the table, six points ahead of the bottom side whilst also having a game in hand.
In all competitions this campaign, the defender has made 27 appearances whilst also contributing to nine goals in the process. Six of these were assists and is currently averaging a goal contribution every three games, which for a defender is extremely impressive.
Who is interested in him?
Following his impressive performances during the 2023/24 campaign, Edwards has attracted the interest of Championship duo Stoke City and Preston North End.
However, it was Barnsley in League One that submitted the bid to try and land the defender during the closing stages of the January transfer window. Unfortunately for them, their bid was turned down and Edwards ultimately remained with Dunfermline.
His contract status
Keeping ahold of Edwards is an extreme risk for the football club financially but he is under contract until June 2025 at the Scottish Championship side.
What’s been said?
Speaking on the decision to reject the bid, Dunfermline manager James McPake stated…
“A bid was knocked back from the club, but that was a worry right up until (the transfer deadline) last Thursday.
“We know how important he is and the club were great with that; David (Cook, CEO), the board. It was quite a simple decision for them.
“Obviously, if a daft bid comes in then of course it gets looked at – but by daft I mean a high bid.
Writer’s View
By having several English clubs already chasing his services, I believe it’s extremely likely that the defender will be leaving the Scottish side in the summer.
Due to his contract status, this summer will likely be the club’s final chance to get a fee for Edwards from an English club but whether Stoke City decide to renew their interest remains to be seen.