Malik Wilks could be hours out from securing a permanent move away from Leeds United, as Football Insider understand Barnsley are confident of finalising his transfer by the end of the week.
The Tykes have already lured one of our rising stars away from Elland Road having completed the permanent signing of Aapo Halme, and are thought to have submitted a seven-figure offer to add Wilks to their recently-promoted ranks as well.
It was initially suggested that both were on Barnsley’s radar ahead of potential loan moves to Oakwell, but Marcelo Bielsa gave the green light to Halme’s permanent departure after talks between the two Yorkshire clubs took an unexpected twist.
Bielsa is now understood to have given his blessing for Wilks to join Halme at Barnsley ahead of the new campaign, after the Tykes offered more than £1million to avoid being outdone by Hull City as the Tigers emerged late on the scene with an offer of their own.
Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel has not hid his admiration of Whites winger Wilks following his side’s promotion out of League One, having come up against the 6ft 20-year-old three times during the 2018/19 season whilst the Leeds-born forward was on loan with Doncaster Rovers.
Stendel’s comments sparked a lot of reaction from the Whites faithful too, with many pleading with the United hierarchy to retain Wilks’ services as he could make a difference on our campaign next term.
It seems like their prayers have not been answered, unfortunately, as Wilks appears to be off to Oakwell after just one senior appearance for Leeds, coming in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Sutton United in January 2017 after he replaced Souleymane Doukara in the 64th minute.