Barnsley forward edges closer to permanent Oakwell exit | OneFootball

Ipswich Town are believed to be in advanced talks to sign Barnsley forward Conor Chaplin, according to a report from EADT.

Chaplin has been with the Yorkshire-based side since 2019, and has made 86 appearances in total for them, with 39 of those outings coming in the 2020/21 season.

The former Portsmouth man netted four goals and was on hand to provide three assists in that campaign, although his efforts weren’t quite enough, as Barnsley missed out on promotion into the Premier League.

The Tykes were beaten by Swansea City in the Championship play-off final, and will be looking to build on a number of strong performances heading into the new league campaign.

But it doesn’t appear as though Chaplin will have a role to play in their new season, with the 24-year-old edging closer to a move to Ipswich Town.

Markus Schopp is now in charge of Barnsley, as he succeeds Valerien Ismael, who departed the club in favour of a move to West Brom ahead of the new season.

Ipswich finished ninth in the League One table last term, and will be looking to make a timely return to the second tier of English football under the management of Paul Cook.

The Tractor Boys are set to take on newly-promoted Morecambe in their first league match of the 2021/22 season, in what could potentially be a tricky test at Portman Road.

Can you score full marks on this 22-question Barnsley quiz?

1 of 22

What year were Barnsley founded?

1886

1887

1888

1889

The Verdict:

This is somewhat of a coup for Ipswich this summer.

Chaplin played his part for Barnsley in their hugely impressive league campaign last term, and I’m surprised to hear that he’s willing top drop back into the third tier of English football this summer.

Barnsley’s loss will be Ipswich’s gain though, and the Portman Road faithful will be hoping that Chaplin can replicate the strong showings he’s had at this level earlier in his career.

Additional strength in depth is needed in Paul Cook’s squad, and it’s good to see him addressing that before their season opener against Morecambe.