Championship side Barnsley are weighing up a late January move for Leeds United midfielder Alex Mowatt, according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay.
This comes after the Tykes confirmed the sale of their midfield maestro and captain Conor Hourihane to divisional rivals Aston Villa earlier on Thursday, for an undisclosed fee.
Mowatt has struggled to establish himself as a regular member of the Whites’ first-team this campaign, with the tricky Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe being preferred in the attacking midfield positions by manager Garry Monk.
Hay, who has developed a large online following among Leeds United supporters, tweeted that Barnsley were looking at the 21-year-old midfielder on Tuesday afternoon.
Being told that Barnsley are interested in Alex Mowatt. Mowatt's contract up at the end of the season. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 26, 2017
Despite his youthfulness, the player has made well over 100 appearances for the Elland Road club since being promoted to the first-team in 2013, and is highly thought of at Leeds as having the potential to be a quality player in future.
Mowatt has also represented England at youth level, making two appearances for the under-19 and under-20 side.
Leeds have enjoyed a surprisingly successful campaign this season; they currently sit in third place in the Sky Bet Championship table following Tuesday’s 2-0 win over strugglers Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Barnsley have also impressed with a sustained run of good form that sees them gunning for a play-off spot.
They are currently in eighth position, and lie just four points behind sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday.
The two Yorkshire rivals, Leeds and Barnsley, met at Oakwell last weekend – a thrilling encounter that saw the home side emerge 3-2 winners courtesy of goals from Tom Bradshaw, Ryan Kent and the recently departed Hourihane.
Barnsley look to continue their winning form this weekend when they take on Rotherham United away from home, while Leeds will travel to non-league Sutton United in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.
