BARNSLEY are set to sign another goalkeeper and will then look to bolster their attack in the near future.
The Reds start their season tonight at home to Mansfield Town while the EFL summer transfer window closes in three weeks on August 30.
So far they have brought in Conor Hourihane, Marc Roberts, Jackson Smith, Matthew Craig and Georgie Gent.
A young international goalkeeper from a Premier League club was expected to arrive on a season-long loan.
They are also hoping to recruit a midfielder and strikers.
Attacking midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn, who led tonight’s visitors Mansfield to promotion last season with 22 goals and ten assists, is understood to be a main target for the Reds.
There is thought to have been progress made in the deal this week, and it could be finalised soon, but it is complicated by fact that the sides play each other.
Clarke, who did not want to comment on Keillor-Dunn, told the Chronicle: “We hope for more signings soon.
“It’s been frustrating but we’re aligned.
“We know where we need to strengthen and we work on it every day. We have targets who haven’t dropped but they are still there and we think they are going to drop.”
The incoming goalkeeper signing means the Reds will have three.
They also brought in Jackson Smith this summer as well as Ben Killip who was back-up last season.
Clarke said: “We have a plan for all our goalkeepers. When Jackson came in we were all aligned on the plan for him.
“A new ‘keeper gives competition but no one is guaranteed the jersey in any position.
“I don’t work that way.
“Everybody has to earn their place. Competition for places has to be there.”
Barnsley are hoping to bring in two more strikers this window. Clarke said: “I always like to think we’re close but it’s an ever-moving market. I speak to lot a of managers, strikers are key. It’s the hardest position to fill but we need a couple of centre forwards.”
Max Watters and Sam Cosgrove, who were mainly substitutes last season, have been starting throughout pre-season while academy graduate Aiden Marsh has scored two goals off the bench. Clarke said: “The lads have earned my trust in pre-season and now they have to seize their opportunity.
“I am ruthless when I need to be.
“They have to meet my expectations. They have to produce in real games.”
Reports this week that Barnsley turned down an offer for Callum Styles from Championship club West Bromwich Albion are believed to be accurate.
The 24-year-old Hungarian international played for the Reds in their last two friendlies and could potentially be involved tonight.
While he only has a year remaining on his contract, the Reds are thought to be holding out for their valuation for the player.
Styles is the longest-serving player in the Barnsley first team squad – although he has been loaned out three times – having signed in 2018, and making 151 appearances.
Clarke said: “Callum is in contention.
“I have been honest with him.
“He’s a Barnsley player and a talented player who has interest.
“But I have got his heart and mind here. It’s a clean slate.
“If a deal is right for any of our players, and the club, we will do it but until then they are professional footballers trying to get into my team.”
If an increased offer comes in for Styles and they do decide to sell, it could reduce the pressure to accept bids for others.
The Reds are determined to hold onto their other first team players, such as Adam Phillips and Luca Connell, with sporting director Mladen Sormaz previously saying only ‘silly money’ would tempt them.
Meanwhile, Nicky Cadden has moved back up to his native Scotland to join Hibernian.
The left wing-back was released by Barnsley in May.
