According to reliable journalist, Alan Nixon, Gary Gardner is a player that remains on Barnsley’s radar at this late stage of the transfer window.

Paul Heckingbottom is desperately trying to bolster his Barnsley squad between now and the end of the summer, having seen a number of high-profile players leave already.

Gardner is on Barnsley’s radar, with Heckingbottom watching the midfielder in Aston Villa’s victory over Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup.

The midfielder is set to leave Aston Villa this summer, as he doesn’t feature in Steve Bruce’s plans at Villa Park.

The 25-year-old is yet to feature in the Sky Bet Championship this season, but Bruce did hand Gardner an opportunity in the Carabao Cup last night, when he completed 90 minutes of Villa’s 4-1 victory over Wigan.

Gardner has spent his entire professional career on the books at Villa Park, but has spent time away from the club on-loan on five separate occasions.

The midfielder had spells with Coventry City, Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton and Hove Albion earlier in his career, and more recently spent time with Nottingham Forest on two occasions.

Since making his Villa debut in 2011, Gardner has gone on to make 46 appearances for the club, including 26 in the Championship last season.

As well as Gardner, Barnsley are also interested in signing Oli McBurnie on-loan from Swansea City.

The Verdict

Barnsley have had a difficult start to the Championship season, as was expected after a number of players turned their back on Oakwell earlier this summer.

The addition of Gardner, who despite being just 25, has a wealth of first-team experience, could be crucial for Heckingbottom’s side – who will be looking to guarantee another season of Championship football.

Barnsley supporters will hope for a busy end to the transfer window, with their club in desperate need of reinforcements.

Barnsley fans… Let us know your thoughts!