BARNSLEY hope to do some early business in the January transfer window but moving out highly-paid players who are not featuring will be an equally important part of the squad-building picture.
The Reds are seventh in League One with 30 points from 20 games, and a point off the play-off places, following a 2-1 success at Exeter City on Saturday which ended a six-match winless run.
They host Leyton Orient tomorrow before travelling to Bolton Wanderers on Thursday for a Boxing Day fixture.
Head coach Darrell Clarke has already hinted that Barnsley are hoping to bolster their forward options in January.
A left wing-back to compete with Georgie Gent is thought to be a priority.
Barnsley are determined to make this a sixth successive January transfer window in which they have not sold a regular starter, with only a significant multi-million bid likely to tempt them to consider selling the likes of Adam Phillips or Luca Connell.
But the Reds will look to trim their squad down in January, which may free up funds to help with incomings.
Striker Sam Cosgrove and right wing-back Barry Cotter have barely featured in recent weeks and are two who, the Chronicle understands, will leave if the right deal could be arranged for them.
Josh Benson, who has returned from injury, is one of a long list of midfielders at the club while striker Aiden Marsh and goalkeeper Jackson Smith could be loaned out for experience.
Clarke said: “We always like to get business done early, but January is tough. I don’t say that lightly.
“Good players at other clubs are in the team a lot of time. It’s never easy.
“I have no doubt we will be competitive, hopefully. We want to put the pieces of the jigsaw together.
“But we need to get players out, the squad is too big in certain areas.”
With injuries in defence, there have been questions raised over whether, during the window, the Reds could recall centre-backs Kacper Lopata and Jack Shepherd who are currently on season-long loans at Ross County and Bradford City respectively – both starting every game when fit. Clarke told the Chronicle: “It’s very doubtful.
“Jack was with me at Cheltenham last year and he’s a second year professional, even though he’s 23. He’s getting valuable gametime at Bradford. That will continue. It’s better for himself and ourselves for him to stay and play there.
“He’s doing very well. I have been in touch with Jack and he’s enjoying it.
“With regards to Kacper, we have got Robbo (Marc Roberts) back in the new year and we have Donovan Pines.
“I see Kacper as a middle of the three centre half. That’s his position.
“He’s doing well up in Scotland.
“I very much doubt they will be recalled. They are both enjoying the gametime and improving as players.
“They will come back in the summer and then we’re ready to go.”
Reports last week claimed Tottenham Hotspur were set to recall young loanee midfielder Matty Craig – who has dropped out of the Reds 11 in the last two months – then send him on loan elsewhere. Clarke said: “I am in regular contact with Matty. He’s a great pro and a good lad. It’s an area of the pitch where there is serious competition.
“He’s a good option. There are ongoing talks because players want to play. We will assess it at the start of January.”
