Exclusive: Barnsley FC in advanced talks to sign West Brom player | OneFootball

League One side Barnsley are in advanced talks to sign West Bromwich Albion's Reyes Cleary, Football League World has learned

Barnsley are in advanced talks to sign West Bromwich Albion forward Reyes Cleary, sources have exclusively revealed to Football League World.

Conor Hourihane's side have been active in the summer transfer window's early stages after finishing the 2024/25 League One campaign in 12th position.

The former Tykes and Aston Villa midfield star, who featured for the South Yorkshire side at the start of last season before assuming his role as head coach, has already brought two players to the club on loan in Murphy Cooper and Nathanel Ogbeta from QPR and Plymouth Argyle respectively.

More additions, however, will be needed if Barnsley are to build upon the previous term's disappointing mid-table finish and compete for a play-off spot.

Barnsley in advanced talks to sign West Brom's Reyes Cleary

FLW can now reveal that Barnsley have moved forward in their pursuit of 21-year-old Cleary, who looks set to leave West Brom on a free transfer.

Talks over a deal have reached an advanced stage, and Hourihane will hope to make Cleary the Tykes' third summer signing in the coming days.

Cleary, a graduate of the West Brom academy with seven senior appearances for the Baggies under his belt, was reportedly offered a new contract to remain in the West Midlands with his current deal set to expire.

However, for one reason or another, it appears as though both parties have failed to come to an agreement as he closes in on a switch to Oakwell.

The versatile attacker, who can play either out wide or through the middle, spent last season on loan with both Walsall and Hartlepool United. It was in the North East where he made a real impression, though, registering six goals and three assists from just 20 National League appearances for Pools.

Barnsley will now be hoping they can complete a deal for Cleary, and that the exciting 21-year-old can build upon the promise displayed in English football's fifth-tier at the back-end of last term.

West Brom's Reyes Cleary could be a solid addition at Barnsley

Barnsley scored on 69 occasions in League One last season and their average of 1.5 goals per game was only bettered by four sides in the division, so strengthening the forward line is not necessarily a huge call of duty for Hourihane as he undertakes his first transfer window in charge.

However, easing the goalscoring burden on talisman Davis Keillor-Dunn, who struck 19 times across all competitions in his debut campaign but has reported interest from both Charlton Athletic and Middlesbrough, is a sensible avenue to explore.

The Tykes also need to offset the recent departure of Stephen Humphrys following his exit to Yorkshire rivals Bradford City, and Cleary would bring both similar versatility and League One goalscoring potential.

At 21, Cleary has shown promise and should only get better and better in the seasons to come. He could have what it takes to step up to League One level next time out, and Barnsley may soon have a gem on their hands if he can continue on from his impressive stint at Hartlepool.