BARNSLEY were today aiming to tie up a deal for a centre-back - hours after former skipper Paul Reid left the club.
As Reid appeared poised to join Colchester, a fourth summer recruit was expected to join manager Simon Davey's squad.
Davey could miss out on overseeing the signing. The manager was in extreme pain yesterday with a neck problem, which was diagnosed at hospital as a prolapsed disc.
His assistant, Ryan Kidd, could take over if Davey is no better today.
As Reid quit following four years at Barnsley and 107 league starts, Dwayne Mattis also left.
He was reported to be returning to Walsall, where he was on loan last season and where he broke his leg.
A £50,000 signing from Bury in January 2007, Mattis made only three starts for Barnsley.
Reid was signed from Northampton in the summer of 2004. He cost £100,000.
Barnsley players are reporting back for the first day of pre-season training on Thursday.
It has emerged that Barnsley were interested in Colchester striker Kevin Lisbie until they were quoted £1 million for the former Charlton frontman.
They are reporting an increase in season-ticket sales. The decision to cut prices has brought a 65 per cent rise.
"We have already sold more season tickets than we did throughout the 2007-08 campaign," said general manager Don Rowing.
Barnsley cut prices to boost gates next season.
Barnsley Reserves will begin their Central League East campaign at Hartlepool on Wednesday August 20. The academy youngsters will start their season at home to Ipswich on Saturday August 23.
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