Barnsley need another centre-back but not the big, strong, old-fashioned defender that some fans have been asking for, says manager David Flitcroft.
The Reds are looking to bring in at least one more defender and Brighton's Adam El-Abd is one of five centre-backs that Flitcroft and other club officials have spoken to about coming to Oakwell.
The manager expects that there will be no new developments in the next week but has insisted that a more mobile defender is what the club needs instead of a physically large player.
Flitcroft said: "I keep hearing that we need a big, old-fashioned centre-half but I really don't think we do. If I could get a big physical presence, who is six foot four, who can head it, pass it and is competitive and quick then I would but those players are all in the Premier League and they cost £8million.
"If I signed a big giant who can head it 50 yards but was not mobile that means that the whole team has to drop back with him and we concede yards to the opposition. I really don't want to do that and I would rather have defenders that are faster and more mobile."
El Abd is the only player on Flitcroft's list of centre-back targets whose name has leaked into the press but his height of five foot 11 suggests the type of player the manager is looking for.
The Barnsley gaffer admires another Seagull in Gordon Greer but does not expect to sign him.
El Abd, 28, who was born in Brighton to an Egyptian father and English mother has played 331 times for his hometown club. He had a poor game at Oakwell in March when he made a mistake that led to Jason Scotland's opening goal then was judged to have fouled Chris Dagnall who scored the resultant penalty in a 2-1 home success.
El Abd has spoken to Flitcroft, chief executive Ben Mansford and assistant manager Micky Mellon recently in what the Reds boss called a 'great meeting'. But Flitcroft is wary that the uncertainty at Brighton, who have just sacked manager Gus Poyet, may delay the move.
Flitcroft said: "We outlined what the future could look like if he signed and he was positive. I want Adam to think intently about the decision because it is a big one.
"He is one of four or five defenders that we have sat down with. We are looking for a centre-back and maybe someone who can play at right-back as well. We're just waiting for agents to become more sensible and realistic. We'll spend money but not waste it."
