Exclusive: MK Dons eyeing ambitious Barnsley FC transfer raid | OneFootball

MK Dons are eyeing a move for Barnsley frontman Stephen Humphrys, Football League World has learned

Ambitious League Two outfit MK Dons are plotting a move for Barnsley's Stephen Humphrys as a big-spending summer recruitment drive under Paul Warne begins to take shape, sources have exclusively revealed to Football League World.

Following a lowly 19th-placed finish in the 2024/25 League Two campaign and the late-season appointment of Warne, the MK hierarchy is eager to arm the former Derby County boss with a significant budget and numerous high-profile additions in a bid to gain promotion back to English football's third-tier next time out.

Warne has already reunited with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who starred under his stewardship in Derby's 2022/23 League One promotion-winning season along with adding both Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Gethin Jones, from Crawley Town and Bolton Wanderers respectively, to his squad, while MK are also closing in on the ambitious capture of Trotters forward Aaron Collins.

Earlier this week, FLW exclusively revealed that a deal has been agreed with Bolton for Collins' impending arrival at Stadium MK, which will reportedly set the club back in excess of £850,000.

Meanwhile, FLW broke the news earlier today of MK's interest in Will Collar, who we understand has been offered a contract by the League Two side ahead of his exit from Stockport County at the end of this month.

Now, however, it is understood that another forward from League One could be joining Collins in Humphrys, with MK continuing to flex their financial muscles ahead of next term's promotion pursuit.

MK Dons plotting transfer for Barnsley FC's Stephen Humphrys

Sources close to FLW have exclusively disclosed that MK are eyeing a move for Humphrys, who scored nine goals from 37 appearances for Barnsley in the third-tier last time out after arriving from Wigan Athletic.

The 27-year-old's future at Oakwell is uncertain, however, despite enjoying a strong end to the season which saw him find the back of the net five times in as many outings.

That's because Humphrys only penned a one-year deal in South Yorkshire last summer, and while Barnsley do have the option to extend his contract by a further year, they are yet to exercise that and instead remain in discussions with the striker over fresh terms entirely.

However, if the situation is not resolved soon, then Humphrys will leave Barnsley as a free agent at the end of this month, which could open the door for Warne to land his latest attacking target.

Barnsley FC's Stephen Humphrys would be an exciting and experienced option for MK Dons

Should MK advance in their pursuit and get a deal over the line in the coming weeks, this could be yet another seriously impressive piece of business for Warne's side.

The Fulham academy product posted a solid goalscoring return last term and has spent the vast majority of his career in League One, so acquiring his services for the fourth-tier could prove to be a real coup.

Though Humphreys is well-travelled with nine clubs under his belt at the age of 27, he has never played below League One. His experience and relative goal-getting pedigree would surely make his addition a significant one for MK, who could send out yet another statement of intent by completing this deal.

The real question, then, may be how Warne would intend to fit Collins, Humphreys and the aforementioned Hepburn-Murphy into his side. MK will be rather top-heavy, that much is clear, and Warne will be spoiled for choice with attacking options - even if that could offer something of a headache to the 52-year-old.