Barnsley are fighting for their lives in the Championship and Gerhard Struber’s focus is going to be no further than the coming eight games as they look to retain their status as a second-tier side.  

A big summer does await the Tykes, but they simply can’t afford to be looking much further than avoiding relegation.

However, what about the free agent market and the attractive names that are standing out at this moment in time?

Retained and released lists are emerging all over the Football League, which leads us down the path of assessing 12 players that could be of interest to Barnsley…

Maddison’s loan move from Peterborough United to Hull City hasn’t worked out, with the playmaker set to become a free agent in the coming weeks.

He’d be a great source of creativity for Barnsley, either in the Championship or League One.

The 28-year-old is yet to agree new terms with Sunderland and could be on the move this summer for nothing.

He’s played at international level and has proved at Sunderland that he’s a very capable defender.

Another impressive option.

The former Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough winger is a free agent and might be of interest to Barnsley.

He’s a player whose strengths you’ve got to play to, but still a decent option on a free.

The Australian is on his way out of Hull City and would be a great addition at Barnsley.

You’d imagine half the Championship will be chasing him, however, which makes a deal complicated.

Just around the corner in Sheffield, Kirby is on his way out of Hillsborough.

The midfielder is still young at 21 and is a player that would surely appeal to Barnsley.

At the opposite end of his career to Kirby is Lichaj, who is another player set to leave Hull City.

The defender is really experienced and would be such a good addition at Oakwell.

Anya is a free agent on the back of leaving Derby County and is a player in need of a fresh start.

Where he ends up is anybody’s guess, but he wouldn’t be a bad option for the Tykes.

Clarke is leaving Preston North End after an emotional stint at Deepdale.

An experienced leader, who will undoubtedly find a new club.

The 25-year-old is yet another Hull City player that’s a free agent now and another option for Barnsley.

Kingsley age might make him a great option.

Hall is a player that’s free after seeing contract talks with Queens Park Rangers break down.

The 28-year-old would be a good option for Barnsley ahead of 2020/21.

The midfielder is an ambitious name on this list, but he hasn’t found himself a new club yet.

He’s got Tottenham and Swansea on his CV and would be some coup for Barnsley.

Perhaps a signing should Barnsley drop back into League One.

Shackell is experienced and would help a relatively young group adapt to life back in the third-tier, should the worst happen.