Barnsley captain Alex Mowatt has claimed that talks had begun over a new contract prior to the delay to the season.

The Championship has been delayed for more than a month and it remains unclear if, how, and when it will resume.

The Tykes face an uphill battle for survival when it does as they're bottom of the table as things stand – seven points away from survival.

Mowatt has been one of their top performers this term and looks set to be vital to their survival hopes but his future beyond that remains unclear.

The 25-year-old's current deal with the Tykes is set to expire in the summer but the club do have a 12-month option, which you'd imagine they will look to trigger.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Mowatt revealed that talks had begun over a new contract before the season was put on hold.

He said: "We started talking about a new contract before this happened and since this has happened, it has gone quiet.

"But the main thing is getting back to football. I am sure when we get back to football, the talks will continue and we will see what happens. I have an extension anyway in my contract.

“I think the main thing is everybody’s health first and when we get back to football, we will see what happens then.”

Mowatt has made 101 appearances for the Oakwell outfit since making the switch from Leeds United in January 2017 but you feel his time at the Yorkshire club could come to an end if they're relegated this term.

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The Verdict

This claim from Mowatt will likely be a huge boost for Barnsley fans as it suggests that work had been underway over extending his stay at the club.

The 25-year-old has been excellent this season and proven himself more than capable at this level.

You question whether he would be happy to drop back down to League One with the Tykes, while there would surely be interest from other Championship sides.