What's happening with Reyes Cleary at Barnsley after Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers talk? | OneFootball

Football League World takes a look at how Barnsley star Reyes Cleary is faring since the transfer interest from Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers.

Barnsley star Reyes Cleary was pursued by Championship duo Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers in the winter transfer window.

The 21-year-old has performed well for the Tykes in League One this term, scoring five goals and producing eight assists in 23 third-tier outings.

Cleary was also a standout performer for the South Yorkshire outfit when they were defeated 4-1 by Premier League giants Liverpool in last month's FA Cup tie.

Those exploits prompted Sheffield United and Blackburn to ramp up their interest in the winger, but he has instead remained with Barnsley.

Reyes Cleary has continued playing for Barnsley amid recent valuation following Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers interest

Blackburn bid £1.5million to sign Cleary last month, but the League One outfit wanted closer to £5m for his services, and the Blades were also interested.

The former West Bromwich Albion man has seemingly remained highly professional following the advances for his services, featuring in a recent draw with Northampton Town and a draw with Bolton Wanderers.

Conor Hourihane's side currently sit just five points clear of the League One drop zone, although they have three games in hand over the majority of their potential relegation rivals.

Meanwhile, Barnsley have put an £8m price tag on Cleary, meaning that the 21-year-old could leave Oakwell in the summer, especially if he maintains his strong form.

The ex-West Brom ace's most recent goal contribution came when he produced an assist in a 3-1 triumph over Stevenage on 31 January, and he will hope to continue to produce the goods to help his side land a top-half finish.

Sheffield United appear more likely than Blackburn to make another swoop for Cleary in the summer, as Rovers rarely make expensive acquisitions under the ownership of The Venky's and could be relegated to League One.

In contrast, the Blades boast a quality Championship squad, including England internationals such as Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips, and have their eyes on an eventual Premier League return.

Conor Hourihane has hinted Reyes Cleary could leave Barnsley in the summer

Barnsley appear unlikely to launch a serious play-off bid, but Cleary appears set to play his football in the Championship next season, rather than remaining in League One.

His direct approach in possession even caused problems for Liverpool in the FA Cup, proving that the 21-year-old is capable of operating at a level above the third tier.

The Yorkshire Post revealed on 6 February that the Tykes rejected a bid of £3m for Cleary when the transfer window was open.

Meanwhile, Barnsley boss Hourihane spoke to the publication about the interest in the winger: "In my opinion, for Reyes, I think he needs this last half of the season before considering moving on. I think the Championship would have been too early for him. I think it would have been really tough for him.

"He's still learning. You maybe see positions out of possession that he can take up a little bit better, and he needs to learn that, and he can learn that here and over the next three or four months. He'll become stronger for that, and then he'll become a better overall player before maybe potentially moving on."