Barnsley players returned for pre-season on Wednesday while the Reds have been linked with Australian winger Clayton Taylor.

The squad have met head coach Daniel Stendel, who has returned for a second spell at the club he led to promotion in 2019, has been back at the club full-time since last Wednesday.

The first few days of pre-season will mainly involve fitness work and testing before they return to the training pitch more regularly next week.

They are yet to add a new signing to the squad but reports claim a deal for Clayton is close.

The 22-year-old winger came through the youth system at Sydney FC before moving to Newcastle Jets and playing in the top flight for the last three seasons, scoring 24 goals in 79 games with 13 assists.

The Australian under 23 international – who is reportedly out of contract this summer – netted nine goals last season, two behind the league’s top-scorer who is ex-Red Sam Cosgrove.

League One clubs are allowed to sign two overseas players as ‘Elite Significant Contribution’ players under government rules.

Taylor is thought to be able to play on the left or the right as well as attacking midfield.

Meanwhile, Barnsley announced a friendly at Northern Premier League side Matlock Town on July 4.

It is expected to mainly feature under 21s players but Daniel Stendel is expected to be on the touchline.