This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more

Barnsley are lining up a six-figure move for Swindon Town midfielder Jack Payne, according to The Sun on Sunday (11/04, page 67).

Payne joined Swindon from Lincoln City in the summer, and has since scored four goals and chipped in with four assists in 37 League One appearances for the Robins.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the County Ground at the end of next season, though, so Swindon may look to cash in this summer.

Championship promotion-hopefuls Barnsley are said to be interested in the midfielder, who is reportedly valued at a price of around £300,000.

Here, we discuss the Tykes' reported interest in the playmaker...

Ned Holmes

This has the potential to prove a real bargain.

Barnsley have been hugely impressive this season but one strong campaign isn't going to mean the club can change their approach.

Assuming they aren't promoted, they're still going to be dealing with a pretty small budget and so deals like this one are key.

£300,000 is an absolute bargain for a player of Payne's quality and though it's certainly not a transfer that is guaranteed to come off, it's worth a go for me.

If he buys into the system, the attacking midfielder could flourish at Oakwell.

Phil Spencer

This could certainly prove to be a very shrewd piece of business.

Barnsley are firmly in the mix to secure promotion to the Premier League but if that doesn't happen then they'll need to be wily in the transfer market.

Payne has enjoyed a good season in League One and could well be a player who could thrive in the Championship.

If anyone will get the best from him it's the Tykes.

Barnsley may need to be smart in the market if they lose one or two key players this summer and I think they could do a lot worse than a move for the 26-year-old.

Jacob Potter

This could be a shrewd addition to the Barnsley team in the summer.

Payne has impressed me whilst with Swindon Town, and he's been a rare bright spark in a frustrating league campaign in the third-tier this term for the Robins.

It's easy to forget that Payne does have experience of playing in the Championship though, having previously been on the books with Huddersfield Town.

He's only 26, and it's fair to say that he's probably in his prime for a midfielder, so it's a deal that will tempt Barnsley.

His energy in midfield would suit their style of play perfectly, and it's a move that would work for all parties involved.