Barnsley are standing firm over forward Reyes Cleary after turning down multiple bids understood to be in the region of £3m for the 22-year-old, according to a report from Pete O'Rourke.

The League One club have rejected what is described as a series of approaches, with the Tykes believed to be holding out for a figure considerably above that level before they will even consider letting Cleary leave Oakwell this summer.

A player in demand

The fact that several bids have already been lodged suggests genuine competition for Cleary's signature, though the source does not name any of the clubs involved. The reported £3m valuation in those approaches has not been sufficient to shift Barnsley from their position, which points to the club placing a significantly higher price tag on the forward themselves.

At 22, Cleary is at the age where a club will typically be looking at considerable sell-on potential in any deal, which may partly explain why Barnsley are in no hurry to sell below their own assessment of his worth. The structure of any eventual fee, including whether a sell-on clause or add-ons might close a gap between buyer and seller, has not been disclosed in the report.

What it means for Barnsley

For a third-tier club, resisting bids of around £3m is a statement of intent. It signals that the Barnsley hierarchy believes Cleary can continue to contribute to the first team this season, rather than cashing in early in the window and leaving the squad short.

The Tykes began their League One campaign last weekend, and holding on to a forward of Cleary's reported calibre will be a boost to supporters who want to see the club push up the table. Losing a key attacking player before the transfer window closes could hamper any promotion ambitions, and the club's refusal to budge on valuation suggests they are prioritising squad strength over a quick sale.

Whether interest escalates and a fee closer to Barnsley's asking price is eventually tabled remains to be seen. With the window still open, the situation is understood to be ongoing, and further approaches cannot be ruled out if the initial bidding clubs revise their offers upwards.

The wider picture

Transfer activity at League One level is rarely straightforward when it comes to valuation. Clubs higher up the pyramid often expect to pick up talented third-tier players at a significant discount, while the selling club must weigh the financial benefit of a fee against the damage done to their playing squad at a critical point in the season.

Barnsley's stance suggests they feel the latter concern outweighs the former at this stage. If no club meets their valuation before the window shuts, Cleary is likely to remain at Oakwell and will be expected to play a prominent role as the Tykes look to make their mark in League One this term.

Further developments are expected as the transfer deadline approaches. LeagueOne.co.uk will continue to follow this story as it develops.

Frequently asked

Have Barnsley accepted any bids for Reyes Cleary?
No. According to a report by Pete O'Rourke, Barnsley have turned down a series of bids understood to be in the region of £3m, with the club valuing Cleary at a higher figure.
Which clubs are bidding for Reyes Cleary?
The report does not name the clubs that have made approaches. It confirms only that multiple bids have been submitted and all have been rejected by Barnsley.
Will Reyes Cleary stay at Barnsley this season?
As things stand, Barnsley are holding firm on their valuation, which makes it likely Cleary will remain at Oakwell unless a club meets the Tykes' asking price before the transfer window closes.