Goalkeeper Cieran Slicker says Barnsley is the "next step" in a promising career after joining on a season-long loan.
The 23-year-old Scotland international arrives from Ipswich Town after spending last season as a League Two regular on loan at Barnet.
"The next step was key for me, and I think this is the perfect step," he said. "It’s a massive club with a rich history and that’s what I want. I want to play in front of great fans in a stadium like this.”
Slicker came through Manchester City's academy and although he never played for the first team, he was on the bench five times, including against Leipzig in the Champions League.
SLICK MOVE: Cieran Slicker has joined Barnsley on loan (Image courtesy of Barnsley FC)placeholder image
SLICK MOVE: Cieran Slicker has joined Barnsley on loan (Image courtesy of Barnsley FC)
A loan at Rochdale in 2022-23 brought only cup appearances and although he made a permanent move to Ipswich at the end of that season, he is yet to play for them either.
Slicker, inset, made a bruising Scotland debut as a substitute goalkeeper last summer, but put it behind him with 43 League Two appearances for Barnet, keeping 15 clean sheets.
Barnsley coach Daniel Stendel described Slicker as "a goalkeeper with excellent quality, good experience for his age and a strong mentality.
"He has worked in top environments and shown his ability during his loan spell last season.
RANGERS SPELL: Rabbi Matondo (Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)placeholder image
RANGERS SPELL: Rabbi Matondo (Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“Standing at 6ft 3in, he is a commanding presence in the penalty area and a modern goalkeeper who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet.
“We believe he will fit our style of play very well, be an important player for us, and we are excited to work with him."
Sassuolo are said to be holding on for £34m for Leeds United target Tarik Muharemovic, with previous club Juventus due half what they receive.
Sheffield United are interested in Wales winger Rabbi Matondo, who has failed to settle at SK Brann after joining them from Rangers earlier this year.
The Cardiff City and Manchester City youth product, who Schalke paid £11m for in 2019, has played Championship football for Stoke City.
Middlesbrough are said to interested in Malmo midfielder Otto Rosengren after the sale of Hayden Hackney to Everton, but Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin is expected to join Southampton despite interest from the Teessiders and the Blades.
Rosengren, who previously played for Mjallby, is a full Swedish international but was not called up for this summer’s World Cup.