Derby County are looking to bolster their wide areas this summer and they have been linked with another player who had fine game against Liverpool this season
Reyes Cleary (left) is said to be a target for Derby County.
Reyes Cleary (left) is said to be a target for Derby County.
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Derby County have been linked with a move for Barnsley winger Reyes Cleary as speculation continues to surround his future.
The winger had a stellar season at Oakwell after joining the club last summer which ended with seven goals and 13 assists.
Cleary produced an excellent performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup this season and has been one of the standout performers in League One.
But doubts over his future at Barnsley continue with clubs in the Championship taking notice of the winger.
Derby and Bristol City are two clubs that have been linked with the winger, according to a report from Football League World.
Derby are keen to bolster their wide options this summer which have been weakened by the return of Ben Brereton Diaz to Southampton and Jaydon Banel to Burnley.
Both players had successful loan spells with Derby which has left the flanks short on numbers. Corey Blackett-Taylor is still on the books at Derby but he is recovering from a thigh injury and the club is expected to be open to offers for him this summer.
At 22, Cleary fits the bill of players who potentially have a high ceiling and the winger's performances this term have undeniably caught the eye.
However, he did have a dip in form after the winter window when it was rumoured that he could be on the move.
Former Derby midfielder Conor Hourihane who managed Cleary at Barnsley was a big fan but speaking about his form, said: "I think Reyes' biggest learning in my opinion - and I've spoken to him about this - is when you have a really strong two or three months, it’s ‘how can I keep that going and make it four, five, six, seven months?’
"It's not from the want of trying, but he needs to understand that he’s had a little bit of a dip and needs to ask himself why has that dip been there.
"Whether it's speculation or a few niggles here and there and he needs to look after his body that little bit more. It's all a learning phase for him now, but he's a really good guy who really wants to improve.
"I've not seen anything like that in him, by the way, let me make that clear.
"But why has that dip been there and how can he make this three-four month (strong) period into six to seven months where there's no dip.”
Who would you like to see sign this summer? Have your say HERE.
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