HITC Sport report that Championship outfit Barnsley are closing in on a move for Blackpool talisman Brad Potts. 

The report suggests that the Yorkshire club have been in the hunt for the midfielder throughout the summer, putting him at the top of their wishlist from the start of the summer transfer window.

The report does not specifically outline the fee that Barnsley have put forward for the signature of the former Carlisle midfield man, but states that it is higher than the £500,000 that Gary Bowyer's newly-promoted side have rejected previously from Paul Heckingbottom's side, earlier on in the summer.

Bowyer and Blackpool were understandably reluctant to lose Potts, who was a key man for them in their promotion season last season, never moreso than during an inspirational display, when he scored one and set up the other as they overcame Exeter City in the Wembley showpiece League 2 play-off final in May.

Potts made 52 appearances in all competitions for Blackpool last season, finding the back of the net on thirteen occasions, and laying on twelve assists for team-mates - which has seen him emerge as Heckingbottom's ideal replacement for former midfield talisman Conor Hourihane, who joined Aston Villa in January.

The news of an impending new arrival should come as a boost to the Yorkshire club and its fans, with most of the talk around the club dominated by players who may follow Hourihane out of the exit door, such as full-back Andy Yiadom. 

The Verdict: 

This would be an extremely good deal for Barnsley - bringing in an inspirational, British midfielder, who can provide a multitude of different attributes to a Barnsley side still suffering badly from the loss of Hourihane.

There may be question marks over Potts because he has never played in the second tier, but everything we have seen of Potts so far suggests that he can make the step up and become an asset to Heckingbottom's side.

Barnsley fans will be relieved that talk around the club has turned to arrivals, following the long line of departures that have left Oakwell, which can suck the life from a club rather quickly.

Barnsley fans - what do you make of the prospect of signing Potts? Let us know in the comments below...