Barnsley stall on David McGoldrick decision - Wigan, Bradford City & Huddersfield should pounce ASAP | OneFootball

The uncertainty over David McGoldrick's future should catch the attention of a number of League One sides

David McGoldrick signed for Barnsley last summer following his exit from Notts County - and he’s been far more of an important cog in Conor Hourihane’s side than he could've possibly imagined.

The veteran attacker took the step back up to League One after a couple of campaigns in League Two with Notts County, and he’s proven that he can still compete at third tier level.

The former Republic of Ireland international has contributed 15 goals and three assists, but it hasn’t been enough for the Tykes to compete for promotion to the Championship.

McGoldrick signed a 12-month deal with the South Yorkshire outfit, which is now also set to expire in the summer.

The 38-year-old has claimed that he’d be open to remaining at Oakwell for another year, but that no talks have been held regarding an extension.

Here, we look at three clubs that should pounce on a deal to sign McGoldrick amid this uncertainty over his future...

Wigan Athletic

McGoldrick has shown this year that he is still more than capable of scoring regularly at a League One level, finding the back of the net 15 times for Barnsley.

Nobody in the Latics’ first-team squad has managed that many this season, although Joe Taylor’s arrival in January has been a big boost for the club's fight against relegation.

However, Taylor will return to Huddersfield Town in the summer and is being linked with Championship clubs, leaving Wigan in need of a forward yet again.

McGoldrick could be a natural fit for Caldwell’s first team squad, as he can lead the line by himself or work together as part of a strike partnership, even slotting into the number 10 role.

If Wigan Athletic are going to climb the League One table and potentially fight for promotion next season, then a consistent goal scorer will be needed and McGoldrick might be a shrewd move to fill that position, even in spite of his age.

Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield have endured an underwhelming second season in League One, and they are on the verge of missing out on a play-off place yet again.

Their top scorer for this term is Leo Castledine, and even he hasn't been at the club since January, with his loan move from Chelsea to the Terriers cut short in the January transfer window to facilitate a permanent switch to Middlesbrough.

While it remains to be seen when Liam Manning will return to the team as head coach, it's likely going to happen during the summer, and the club will still surely be on the lookout for a new forward to lead the line, partly due to the disappointment of Alfie May not hitting the heights that were expected.

McGoldrick would be a smart option to bolster their goalscoring options for next season, as it’s clear that Manning needs somebody with experience of finding the back of the net consistently at this level.

The forward will also find it easy to make the switch without having to relocate from his current home, which will make it an appealing option if he does leave Barnsley.

Bradford City

Bradford City have come straight up from League Two and are in the mix for promotion to the Championship.

But if the Bantams miss out on a place in the second tier, then the addition of McGoldrick could be that final piece that helps them get over the line next season.

The 38-year-old can provide some experience to a young squad, and they will be in need of some forward options with Paul Mullin and Ethan Wheatley’s loan spells coming to an end soon.

A move to Bradford could also be quite appealing as it won’t require a massive relocation, and he could be a great fit for Graham Alexander’s side as he can lead the line or slot into one of the dual 10 roles in their 3-4-2-1 formation.