Barnsley transfer latest: Hurry up for Howard!

Barnsley FC appear to be taking their time over offering Brian Howard a new deal at Oakwell.

The reds midfielder bagged fourteen goals last season, including the last minute winner that knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup at Anfield.

However important the twenty-five year old may be to Barnsley, an offer to keep the midfielder at Oakwell has not yet been placed on the table.

Howard told the Mirror:

'Although they say they want to keep me, nobody at the club has been in touch with me yet to offer me a new contract".

Although the Winchester born player has one year left on his current deal, the media attention surrounding Howard has brought him to the attention of other clubs.

Brian continued:

'I am in limbo. I feel I have given great service to this club, and I would like them to recognise that by doing one of two things - either give me the contract I am worth or sell me. And by that, I mean doing me the courtesy of selling me at a realistic price.'

Howard`s reference to a "realistic price" is in reaction to club owner Patrick Cryne`s claim that Howard (comparative to Sheff Utd`s Michael Tonge) is worth ten million pounds.

Whatever happens, all at Barnsley will be hoping the contract situation will be resolved as soon as possible. After all, in terms of progression, keeping the best players you already have is sometimes better than bringing new faces in.

Although Howard may have been speaking to the Mirror, he certainly won`t be happy to know that the picture accompanying his article was one of central defender Stephen Foster - only a slight difference between the two in height…stature…hair colour…position…