CONOR Hourihane is hoping to make two more signings and for no star players to be sold as Barnsley approach what could be a ‘chaotic and crazy’ final week of the summer transfer window.
Deadline day is in ten days on Monday, September 1. The Reds have brought in seven new players this window and are still thought to be looking for more depth at centre-back and forward.
Hourihane – whose side are unbeaten in five games this season, winning four – said there would be no transfer business before Saturday’s game at AFC Wimbledon.
The Reds head coach told the Chronicle: “Since the turn of this week and getting over Tuesday’s game, there has been a higher percentage of phonecalls and texts.
“We’re heading into the last ten or 12 days. That’ll only crank up every day.
“We’re not a million miles away from a really healthy squad.”
He also said: “We’re very fortunate with the ones we’ve brought in – position and character wise.
“They have added to the performances and the culture we’re trying to build.
“But it’s about getting a couple in for more depth and quality to give us a really good squad at the end of the window.
“It is a busy month in August. Hopefully we’ll come through the games OK in terms of injuries then let’s see where the end of the window takes us.”
The Reds have been linked with Southampton forward Dom Ballard.
The 20-year-old has been loaned to Reading, Blackpool and Cambridge previously.
Hourihane said: “His name has popped up in the last few days. We’re trying to add to the squad, and he’s someone who has been discussed. He’s a good age and a good asset. Whether it gets done or not, time will tell.”
The Reds have also been linked with 19-year-old Manchester United winger Ethan Williams who was at Cheltenham on loan last season.
Hourihane told the Chronicle: “It’s similar to Dom. There are names that get thrown around. When you do recruitment, loads of names get mentioned. There’s not much on that one.”
Barnsley were expected to sell star players this summer but, as of earlier this week, no bids had hit the valuations for the likes of Davis Keillor-Dunn, Luca Connell and Adam Phillips.
Hourihane told the Chronicle: “In the next ten or 12 days, it can become chaotic and crazy.
“We’re hoping to handle situations in the right way and for what the squad looks like now to stay the same.”
Jon Russell has been a prolific scorer for both the Reds and the Jamaica national team over the last six months but has not started yet in the league for Barnsley this season and was an unused substitute on Saturday before coming on after 85 minutes in midweek.
The 24-year-old has a year remaining on his contract and was reportedly of interest to Championship clubs earlier this summer.
Hourihane said it was ‘not the case at all’ that Russell’s limited gametime could lead to him leaving this window.
He told the Chronicle: “Jon did fantastically for me at the end of last year then came back a little bit later after being away with Jamaica.
“He missed the bulk of the foundation work we wanted to do. That’s put him on the back foot a little bit. People like Vimal (Yoganathan), Blandy (Jono Bland), Luca (Connell) and Phillo (Adam Phillips) have stepped up and had a really strong pre-season.
“From the situation last season where he was a front-runner, he’s got a little bit of work to do on the training ground to get in the team.
“The results as well are keeping him out of the team.
“He just needs to keep working hard and it can change very very quickly.”
Kelechi Nwakali is not in Hourihane’s plans and Barnsley will look to move the Nigeria midfielder on this summer if they can.
Jackson Smith, the goalkeeper, is also thought to be likely to leave on loan, along with various under 21 players.
On Smith, Hourihane told the Chronicle: “Getting Jackson some experience and gametime is probably the best thing for him right now.
“Having him sitting around the building is no good for him and no good for anyone. He needs to play games, improve and gain valuable experience. That’s something we’re probably looking to do.”
