Confident Barnsley reaction given to David McGoldrick situation - 'he wants to stay' | OneFootball

FLW's Barnsley fan pundit has given his reaction to reports that Mansfield Town are preparing to make a move for striker David McGoldrick.

A new era is underway at Barnsley following the return of Daniel Stendel as head coach.

After an underwhelming season that saw them finish 15th in the League One table, Barnsley parted company with head coach Conor Hourihane by mutual consent after just over a year in charge.

It did not take the Tykes too long to find a replacement for Hourihane, with the club confirming earlier this month that Stendel has returned to Oakwell for a second spell after previously guiding them to automatic promotion to the Championship in the 2018-19 season.

Stendel will be keen to stamp his mark on the squad over the summer as he looks to replicate the success he enjoyed during his first stint with the Reds, but he may have to contend with the departure of some of his key players, including striker David McGoldrick.

After joining Barnsley last summer following his exit from Notts County, McGoldrick scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances this season, and he was voted Player of the Year by both supporters and his team-mates.

However, McGoldrick's contract is due to expire at the end of June, and while the Tykes are in discussions with the 38-year-old over a potential new deal, he cast doubt over his future last month when he revealed that the opportunity to work under former boss Hourihane was "one of the main reasons" he came to the club.

It seems Barnsley could face competition for McGoldrick's signature as they attempt to tie him down, with journalist Alan Nixon claiming that fellow League One side Mansfield Town are preparing a move for the striker, and their contract offer could reportedly blow the Reds "out of the water".

Barnsley reaction given as Mansfield Town plot David McGoldrick move

When asked for his reaction to the reports, FLW's Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox insisted he is confident that McGoldrick is keen to remain at Oakwell, but he admitted that he should accept the most lucrative deal on the table as he enters the latter stages of his career.

"There is no doubt that over the last season, David McGoldrick has proven a lot of fans wrong," Andy told FLW.

"There were those who questioned whether or not, at 37 then, soon to be 38, he could still operate effectively in League One.

"However, it has been clear throughout the season that he has been able to do quite comfortably.

"In fact, he is one of the fittest players in the Barnsley squad and showed it with high levels of energy in each game.

"He's out of contract, and my understanding is that the club want to offer him a further contract and that David himself wants to stay.

"However, at 38, nearly 39, David will need to do whatever is best for him and get the best deal he can, both in terms of length of contract and the salary.

"I sincerely hope that he can achieve this by remaining at Barnsley, rather than the audacious move by Mansfield and presumably other clubs.

"He is a really, really important player for any team.

"If he stays, I would be very happy.

"If he was to leave, I would wish him all the very best."

Barnsley must avoid dealing Daniel Stendel early blow involving David McGoldrick

With the club's budget reportedly being cut for the upcoming season, it seems finances are currently tight at Barnsley, so it may be tough for them to keep hold of McGoldrick this summer.

The Tykes may be reluctant to offer McGoldrick, who turns 39 in November, a bumper deal at this stage of his career, but the striker showed this season that he is still a prolific scorer at League One level, and it would be a huge blow to Stendel if he was to depart.

Losing McGoldrick to a League One rival in Mansfield would no doubt increase the frustration among the Reds' fanbase, and with the Stags being tipped by many to be one of the potential dark horses next season, his exit could prove to be a costly transfer fumble.