Barnsley: Reds keen to ward off Leeds' interest in Sam Winnall

The West Yorkshire side are keen on landing the on-form forward and have already seen a £300,000 bid rebuffed by the Reds.

But The Star understands an increased bid for Winnall will be tabled before Monday’s transfer deadline, leaving Barnsley with a real dilemma.

It is rumoured the Reds want as much as £1million for the 25-year-old, who has hit top form this season.

Winnall netted a hat-trick in the Reds’ emphatic 6-1 win over Rochdale last weekend.

And he has scored 15 goals in total this season, with eight of them having coming in his last six games.

Reds boss Lee Johnson – whose side travel to Swindon Town today – knows as long as Winnall continues to find the net, then there will be continued interest in him.

“Of course there’s interest because he’s playing really well,” said Johnson, whose side have won five in a row in the league.

“Sam’s flying at the moment and people talk in football. He’s in goalscoring form.”

And with injuries to key players in his squad, especially winger Adam Hammill who could be out for a month, Johnson is looking at recruiting new blood before the window shuts.

Johnson swooped yesterday to sign 20-year-old Leicester City midfielder Jak McCourt on a permanent contract until the end of the season, with the option of an extension until 2017.

“I’m delighted to join Barnsley,” revealed McCourt. “It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started. I want to help the club get to where it wants to be.

“I like tough tackling and to get on the ball and play football, so hopefully I can get started soon.

“I want to get to the next level and I want to improve my game and I am sure the gaffer can help me.”

And Manchester United loan striker Ashley Fletcher has extended his stay until the end of the season, giving Johnson more options up front.

“The plan over these three windows is to keep topping everything up,” added Johnson.