Barnsley agree deal for Burnley talent, but move rests on potential Chelsea exit
Barnsley will sign Owen Dodgson on loan from Burnley if Ian Maatsen joins the Clarets, as per Sky Sports’ James Savundra.
Barnsley are hoping to strike some late business before tonight’s 11pm deadline as Neill Collins puts the finishing touches on his first summer window in charge at Oakwell.
However, one proposed addition looks to rest on a potential deal further up the ladder.
Sky Sports reporter Savundra has reported on Twitter that the Tykes are set to sign Burnley defender Owen Dodgson on loan, but only if Dutch star Ian Maatsen agrees to leave Chelsea and return to Turf Moor his successful stint there last season.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Burnley have reached an agreement to reunite with Maatsen but it has since been said by Matt Law that the decision remains in the hands of the player, who has been in and around Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the early stages of this season.
The waiting game
As often is the case with transfers – especially this late in the window – Barnsley face a nervous wait to see if matters out of their control pan out as hoped before they can get the Dodgson signing wrapped up.
He’d be a solid addition on the left-hand side if the move does go through. The 20-year-old mainly plays as a left-back but can operate further forward as a wing-back if needs be.
Dodgson spent the second half of last season with Rochdale and a new loan would give him another shot at developing further with more regular minutes away from Burnley.
Coventry City ‘Still In’ For League One Captain
Coventry City are still in talks to sign Barnsley capitan Liam Kitching but a move could depend on whether the League One side can source a replacement, according to journalist Andy Turner.
The Sky Blues have already had two bids rejected for the defender but are heavily rumoured to make a third bid in an attempt to land the club’s number-one defensive target.
The bids
Coventry City had an initial £2.5 million bid turned down by Barnsley two weeks ago and had a £4 million bid turned down yesterday but it doesn’t appear as though the Sky Blues are interested in walking away from a potential deal.
Barnsley are reportedly holding out for a better deal, with League Two side Forest Green Rovers also having a sell-on percentage which is proving to affect the asking price.
Reunion
The signing of Liam Kitching would reunite him with former teammates Brad Collins and Bobby Thomas who have both already completed permanent moves to the CBS Arena in this transfer window.
What’s been said?
Andy Turner posted a short update on an article, which states…
‘Although the Sky Blues had a reported £4million bid knocked back on Thursday, Robins remains hopeful of testing the Tykes’ resolve, albeit not at the reported £5m price tag.
‘It’s understood the 23-year-old wants to come to the CBS Arena and, as City have found themselves in recent months, once a player makes up his mind there’s very little a club can do other than get the best deal possible and move on.’
Writer’s View
I think Coventry City will do everything they can to try and persuade Barnsley to part ways with their captain, but whether they succeed remains to be seen.
Kitching would fit Coventry’s business model and would also boost the club’s defensive options alongside his former Barnsley teammate Bobby Thomas as well as vice-captain Kyle McFadzean.
