DARRELL Clarke says the message from those above him at Barnsley is that no starting players will be sold this window, as they will look to make key signings to bolster their promotion bid.

Today is the exact mid-point in the transfer window which has been open for 17 days and closes in another 17 on Monday, February 3.

So far the Reds have signed Irish left wing-back Neil Farrugia.

Any more movement is thought to be unlikely until at least next week, although not impossible.

They are looking for at least one new striker in this transfer window, but all positions are being explored.

They are also thought to be keen to bring in a new goalkeeper, most likely as a back-up to Ben Killip who has established himself as number one in recent months. That would mean that Jackson Smith could be loaned out for the rest of the season.

Adam Phillips was linked with Championship clubs by some reports this week but the Chronicle understands there have been no approaches for him.

The midfielder, who turned 27 this week, has eight goals and five assists this season and is contracted until 2026 with another year option in the club’s favour. The Reds have made clear that it would take a significant multi-million bid to get Phillips out of Oakwell, or any other star player such as captain Luca Connell.

Clarke told the Chronicle: “You can never say never in this game but the messages I am being given are that we want to keep our best players.

“It’s great to hear and enables us to add to the squad this window rather than have some of our best players taken away.”

Those who could move on are fringe players who are not in Clarke’s long-term plans.

Midfielder Josh Benson is one while striker Sam Cosgrove could be another although he is being used regularly off the bench so a new player may have to come in first.

Clarke says he has told the players not in his plans that they need to find new clubs this window, and that there have been ‘one or two bits of interest’ but nothing is imminent.

He told the Chronicle: “Players want to play, you understand that.

“But they are at a fantastic football club which is capable of getting to a higher level.

“They have to work hard, train hard and fight hard to get into my squad consistently.

“All players want to play on Saturday at 3pm but you can only cater for a certain amount.

“We have a squad that is probably too big and some fringe players get frustrated but they haven’t shown me enough to get gametime so they have to find new clubs to kickstart their careers.”

On new signings, Clarke said: “There is nothing imminent but a lot of work is being done in the background to make sure we get our targets in the positions we are looking to strengthen.

“I always say judge the business at the end of the window.

“For me, it’s about working hard with players for Saturday, and the recruitment team is working hard to get the players that we need.”

Does Barnsley’s good form and position in the top six make it easier to sign players?

Clarke told the Chronicle: “I don’t think it makes a big difference, money normally talks.

“That’s the nature of the beast.

“For myself as a manager, I have more of a buy-in and it’s about players representing the badge very well. But for most players, it’s a job.

“There is not much loyalty in football. When players aren’t performing or injured they will get released, but when players are playing really well and can triple or quadruple their wages elsewhere, they want to go.

“My focus is making sure the players we have and the players we bring in represent what we are as a football club and what the supporters demand.

“I think players will always like to join a club like this.”

Barrow have ended Andy Dallas’ season-long loan early.

The 25-year-old striker scored three League Two goals for the Cumbrians in 18 appearances, only six of which were starts, while he also struck twice in cup games.

Asked if Dallas could be loaned out again, Clarke said: “We will wait and see. Andy has only trained for a day.

“He trained well. He did alright at Barrow. We will see how things progress on that one.”

Matty Craig’s loan at Barnsley ended late last week then the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder immediately joined the Reds’ League One rivals Mansfield Town for the remainder of the season.