Barnsley are reportedly setting their sights on the signing of non-league 6ft 3in defender Festus Arthur from Stockport County, according to Football Insider.

The Tykes have been somewhat active in the transfer market this window, making two signings from Gerhard Struber’s native Austria, in central midfielder Marcel Ritzmaier and right-back Kilian Ludewig from Wolfsberger AC and Red Bull Salzburg respectively.

Another player that they have now set their sights on is Stockport County centre-back Festus Arthur, Football Insider are reporting. The 18-year-old has impressed so far in the National League, after making 24 appearances and scoring two goals

Arthur has become a regular feature at Stockport this season and is now attracting interest from a number of EFL clubs, but Barnsley are willing to do a deal now to beat their rivals to his signature.

The Tykes are currently in the midst of a relegation battle with the joint second-worst defence in the league, conceding 51 goals in 28 games. They have tightened up under Struber in recent months but the manager will still be keen to reinforce at the back.

Arthur is out of contract in the summer and it comes as no surprise to Stockport that interest is rapidly growing in their prized asset, given that he will be available for virtually nothing in the summer.

The verdict

Barnsley’s summer recruitment was one of the major reasons for why tensions flared between the club and then-manager Daniel Stendel, as he lamented the sale of key players only to be replaced by inexperienced and untested players in those positions.

Arthur would arguably fall into this category of inexperienced, but he would certainly be an investment for the future, given that he is only 18-years-old and coming from non-league.

He is clearly held in high regard at Edgeley Park and they will be reluctant to see him leave, however, it is hard to turn down offers from a Championship club, especially if he is out of contract in the summer.

The Tykes are looking in great shape to avoid relegation this season and will be looking to build on this by reinforcing with one or two extra names before the deadline closes, and Arthur might be a very smart deal.