Preston North End and Swansea City credited with interest in Blackburn Rovers-linked man
The former West Brom youngster was linked with Blackburn Rovers in January
Preston North End are one of several Championship clubs to be credited with interest in Barnsley wide man Reyes Cleary.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Lilywhites have been keeping an eye on the 21-year-old. But, the Deepdale club could face strong second-tier competition should they make any approach this summer.
The report also suggests that Hull City are taking a close look at the player, while Sheffield United and Swansea City have been tracking Cleary. Signed last may, the number 19 has scored six goals and assisted 15 for the Tykes, in 44 appearances.
There were strong links to Blackburn Rovers back in January, with it claimed that the Ewood Park side saw a bid rejected by Barnsley. Another Championship side to be mentioned as suitors is Bristol City.
Cleary rejected a new deal at West Brom to join Barnsley and he penned a three-year deal with option of a further 12 months. Conor Hourihane’s side sit 12th in League One with six games left to play.
Back in January, amid links to Rovers, Nixon reported that an offer in the region of £1m had been knocked back. It was further suggested that the Tykes had placed a £5m price tag on Cleary - who caught the eye in Barnsley’s televised FA Cup tie at Liverpool.
North End boss Paul Heckingbottom is a Tykes supporter and managed the club between 2016 and 2018. He still goes to watch his hometown club when the chance presents itself and recently defended Hourihane, amid criticism from the Oakwell faithful.
Speaking to the Barnsley Chronicle, he said: “I know because I watch enough of them... Michael Duff had the strongest squad in recent years and nearly got there. Then (Neill) Collins had a slightly weaker squad, nearly got there. Then Darrell Clarke had a weaker squad again, then Conor has weaker squad again.
“Conor can’t be expected to do what Michael Duff did. He definitely needs time. Forget the budget. I saw the budget that was published for last season; it absolutely dwarfed the budget of the Championship team when we got promoted.
“It’s not all down to the manager, it’s the running of the club and making the most of the money, making wise decisions. “I know it doesn’t get any easier with some of the money that is thrown about now, but that is still a competitive budget.”
Verdict: PNE linked with Cleary
The tricky winger is the exact type of player who would be welcomed with open arms by the Deepdale faithful. If this season’s loan stars do not return, Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin will leave a big hole in terms of spark and creativity. Heckingbottom has also stressed the need to target permanent signings, who can become assets.
After bringing in Odel Offiah, Thierry Small and Andrew Moran this season, Cleary would represent another step forward - the importance of building on this year’s work has been highlighted by Heckingbottom as well. How Cleary - a high and wide winger - would fit into Preston’s side is another matter.
The other clubs linked and reported valuation could make things very difficult for the Lilywhites, too. The likes of Hull and Sheffield United would be able to offer Cleary hefty wages. Preston managed to get Small but other League One stars - like Harrison Burrows and Richard Kone - have proven too expensive in recent windows.