Reyes Cleary to Bristol City transfer truth revealed as Barnsley photos emerge | OneFootball

Reyes Cleary has been pictured in Barnsley training, despite reports linking him to Bristol City

Reyes Cleary was front and centre of Barnsley's training pictures ahead of their League One opener against Bromley, dispelling rumours that a move to Bristol City was imminent.

The Robins have been incredibly ambitious this summer, and their transfer window has been largely dominated by League One talents ready to make the step-up.

Not only did they begin the off-season by poaching the head coach behind Lincoln City's 103-point title-winning campaign in the third tier last year, Michael Skubala. But Sam Tickle comes in having been one of the best goalkeepers at the level for the past few years with Wigan Athletic, and Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard had 41 goals between them last season.

They're not looking to stop there, though, as they've shown an interest in exciting Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary, with reports even stating that the 22-year-old was at Ashton Gate finalising a move today.

Reyes Cleary pictured in Barnsley training amid Bristol City transfer rumours

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Mere hours after those reports, though, Barnsley made sure to put Cleary at the beginning of their training post ahead of this Saturday's League One curtain-raiser against League Two champions Bromley.

And the Barnsley Chronicle's Doug O'Kane would confirm later on that the wideman was indeed not at Bristol City's training ground, although he does believe that there is interest in Cleary.

That's not a surprise, though, as there has been interest in the former West Brom academy prospect since January, and it was emphasised following his excellent performance on a national stage in the FA Cup against Liverpool.

Cleary was subject to a bid during last season's winter window by Blackburn Rovers, which the Reds turned down. When they came in for him again days later, Barnsley slapped a £5 million price tag on his head.

It's uncertain what potential suitors would have to pay to prise Cleary away from Oakwell, but after ending last season with 20 goal contributions and a league-high 13 assists, a Barnsley side who have, credit to them, maximised profits in their sales recently, won't be letting him go easily.

Barnsley fans take a moment to poke fun at Bristol City after Reyes Cleary image is released

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To many, a Cleary departure seems inevitable this summer, but for the time being, the 22-year-old is still a Barnsley player, and fans of the League One side are making the most of it.

Like their X admin, they also took time to poke a little fun at Bristol City fans online, after the post dispelled any rumours made earlier in the day.

"Got to Bristol in quick time from training this morning then😉," one Barnsley fan said. "Can’t be reyt that he’s in Bristol," Reds content creator Callum Fowler added.

"So his twin is in Bristol? This is a post fans can get on board with," said a third, while another tweeted, "Fair play admin, fair play."

Bristol City have shown their ambition this summer, and nothing is seemingly stopping them from trying to make a move for the 22-year-old between now and September 1, but for the time being, Cleary will be ready to pick up where he left off in League One last year this Saturday.

Reyes Cleary would add to an already impressive summer window for Bristol City

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Bristol City fans have allowed themselves to get carried away ahead of the Championship starting this weekend due to their activity in the transfer window, which many feel to be one of the more underrated ones in the division.

While it can often be hard to make that step-up from League One into the second tier, there's confidence that, especially in the frontline with Tolaj and Ballard, the Robins can be a dangerous attacking force under Michael Skubala.

If they add Cleary to that, there'll be some third-tier fans who believe they could be locks for the play-offs. That may not be the case, but they'll be very fun to watch, as the Barnsley man is one of the most exciting players in the entire EFL.

But the Robins shouldn't be getting too far ahead of themselves, as they were when rumours stated a deal had been made. Barnsley won't want to let go of him lightly, but in a way, that could make an eventual signing even more highly anticipated.