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 one of a trio of Championship sides that are all holding an interest in Doncaster Rovers captain Ben Whiteman, according to Football Insider, with Derby County and Blackburn joining Gerhard Struber's side in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

Whiteman has been a star performer for Doncaster Rovers since first signing on loan from Sheffield United in the summer of 2017 but was linked with a move away from the Keepmoat Stadium in the summer transfer window, with the Doncaster Free Press reporting that the club rejected a bid from Hull City for the midfielder.

So would Whiteman be a good signing for Barnsley and should his signing be a priority for Struber's side?

We discuss.........

Kris Smith

“The Tykes certainly need one or two more additions this window to help push away from relegation, which they are currently struggling with the form of those above them.

“One problem that they have faced is the lack of Championship experience in the side and Whiteman would be another (somewhat) young player coming in who has barely featured in the league before.

“Whiteman has made 23 League One appearances this season and scored five times so he is showing the quality necessary to warrant a Championship move, but Barnsley need guaranteed improvements in their squad and I’m not convinced this would be nailed on in that regard.

“Gerhard Struber has been clear in where he wants to improve this month and has done very well so far, but the signing of Whiteman doesn’t strike me as one that could save them from the immediate drop back into League One.”

Ned Holmes

"I think this could be a great signing for Barnsley but I'm not sure if it should be their top priority.

"The 27-year-old has been fantastic in the centre of the park for Doncaster over the past few seasons and would slot into Gerhard Struber's diamond system really well.

"They certainly need more quality options in midfield and the addition of Whiteman would provide them with that.

"However, with question marks over the future of Bambo Diaby and Barnsley's defensive unit still looking a bit shaky, adding reinforcements in that area has to be the priority."

Ben Lang

"There can be no doubt that Barnsley would benefit from adding further depth to the side ahead their survival bid this term, and Whiteman's strong performances in League One mean he would add some good cover to the side.

"Whiteman also fits the correct mould of player that Barnsley look to recruit given he is still young and hungry to prove himself, while he has also racked some strong experience since joining Doncaster in 2017.

"This means the 23-year-old has a host of qualities that would make him an exciting signing for the Tykes, while he is also someone who the Oakwell outfit should be able to depend on whether they are relegated or not this campaign.

"I'm not convinced that Whiteman needs to be a priority signing given defence is perhaps the area Barnsley should be mainly targeting, but I feel confident that the midfielder would be a good addition for Gerhard Struber's men."