Championshp newcomers Barnsley have made a big move in the transfer market to sign Leeds United striker, Mallik Wilks.

Confirmed by the club's official website last night, Daniel Stendel's men added Wilks to make it nine summer signings at Oakwell as they look to avoid an immediate drop back into League One following their promotion last term.

The Reds appear to have seen off a host of competition to land the 20-year-old, who was hugely impressive for Doncaster Rovers last season as he notched 16 goals across all competitions to help Rovers into the League One play-offs.

Wilks was highly thought of by staff and management at Elland Road despite a few off-field issues, and he has now signed a four-year deal with the Reds.

Barnsley are reeling from the sales of key first-team players such as Liam Lindsay, Ethan Pinnock and Adam Davies, but the signing of Wilks will be a big boost to manager Daniel Stendel, who will be delighted to see someone with such potential join his young team.

Stendel has made a habit in recent times of signing young players who fit the club's model of signing players for relatively small fees, developing them, and selling them on for big money. Wilks fits that model once again, and Barnsley will be hoping to see a big return on the youngster eventually.

The Verdict

What a superb piece of business this is by Barnsley, with their being little doubt that Wilks was attracting interest from a host of clubs in the footballing pyramid.

Wilks brings pace, energy and goals to a Reds side who will desperately need it in the Championship.

It's impressive what Barnsley continue to do in all honesty, and if Wilks is as much of a success as some of their previous signings, then he will prove to be a shrewd signing indeed for the Reds.