Barnsley Target Defensive Duo Amidst Rumours Of Potential Key Departure

Barnsley have expressed an interest in Watford centre-half Mattie Pollock, with the Tykes looking to strengthen their defensive ranks, as reported by journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon.

Pollock is yet to appear for Watford in the Championship this season, and has been linked with a move away from Vicarage Road. The 21-year-old is on Barnsley’s radar and we may see a bid put in prior to the commencement of the transfer window.

The centre-half spent the second half of last season on loan with Aberdeen, making 15 appearances in the Scottish top flight. Pollock would become somewhat of a mainstay at the heart of the the Reds’ defence, starting every game in the run in and helping Aberdeen reach a very respectable third place.

After an impressive loan spell, it seems as if Pollock wants to get regulars first team football, and a potential move to Oakwell could give just that.

The chances of that happening could only increase, with rumours linking current centre-half Liam Kitching to the Championship. Coventry City are supposedly interested in the 23-year-old, and although his departure would come as a blow to the defence, it would give Barnsley the sufficient funds to find a replacement as well as to strengthen other positions in the side.

Pollock isn’t however the only defensive option that Barnsley are exploring, with the club also reportedly expressing an interest in MK Dons’ Jack Tucker. The Dons have made a good start to life in the fourth tier, winning three of their first four games and are currently sitting in second in the league. Tucker has started all four of those games, and has proven himself as a very good defensive asset.

The Dons have however placed a £400,000 price tag on their young defender, which is believed to have put Barnsley off. That makes Pollock the more realistic option and with prior League One experience to his name, it could be a good move.

It has been somewhat of a mixed bag for Barnsley to start the season, beating Port Vale 7-0 on the opening day and then drawing with Bristol Rover prior to 3-1 losses to both Peterborough and Oxford United. A fresh face at the back could be just what the club needs as they look to reinvigorate themselves after a lull in form. If Kitching does depart, then the club almost certainly need to pursue Pollock.

Writer’s view

Pollock displayed his quality at Aberdeen last season and with the centre-half seemingly being out-of-favour at Watford, then a move seems incredibly likely. Barnsley are an ambitious club and will want to be targeting promotion this season which will be very attractive to the young defender. With bundles of potential, Pollock could be the enabler for a tilt at the play-offs.