Barnsley attacker Cauley Woodrow says that that he is fully focused on the Tykes' battle for Championship survival this season, amid recent reports linking him with a move elsewhere this month.

It was recently claimed that Leeds United are interested in a move for the 25-year-old as they continue their search for a new striker this month, although it seems Woodrow us not planning on leaving Oakwell anytime soon.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post about his future in relation to that speculation, Woodrow said: “While I am a Barnsley player, my focus is completely and solely on Barnsley, so I have not had a thought of wanting to leave."

Woodrow missed Barnsley's first four games of 2020 through injury, and the attacker was keen to stress that that absence was unrelated to those rumours around his future, as he continued: “My injury was an injury and it wasn’t me pretending to be injured in terms of wanting a move.

"It was literally just an injury and I am focused on helping this team and club stay in this division."

So far this season, Woodrow has scored nine goals in 23 Championship games for the Tykes, making him the joint top scorer in the league for Gerhard Struber's side, who are currently 22nd in the second-tier standings, four points adrift of safety.

There are currently two-and-a-half years remaining on Woodrow's current contract with Barnsley, securing his future at the club until the end of 2021/22 season.

The Verdict

This ought to be a big relief for those of a Barnsley persuasion.

Given Woodrow's record this season, and the Tykes' current position in the Championship table, you can see why a move elsewhere could have been tempting both for the attacker, and a number of clubs further up the footballing pyramid.

As a result, the fact that Woodrow is set to remain with the club ought to be a big boost to Barnsley, since his firepower will be key to getting the goals Barnsley need to secure survival.

It will be interesting to see if Woodrow takes a similar mindset with regards to his future in the summer, something which will surely depend on just how successful they are in their fight for survival over the coming months.