Tykes target Prem defender

Barnsley are lining up a deal to sign a Premiership defender on loan.

Barnsley are lining up a deal to sign a Premiership defender on loan until the end of the season.

The Championship club have confirmed that talks to sign the stopper, who is already an international, are progressing.

Tykes boss Simon Davey is hoping to have the player in his squad in time for Tuesday's game against fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers.

Davey has already agreed a deal with West Ham United to keep young winger Kyel Reid at Oakwell for the rest of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Barnsley striker Marc Richards is keen to meet the club's chairman Gordon Shepherd to resolve his future.

Richards was close to a move to Port Vale earlier this month and wants to know if he is part of The Tykes' long-term plans.

He told the Barnsley Star: "I'm having a meeting with the chairman just to see where I stand.

"Gordon's the man at the top and he will clear up a few things for me. Hopefully he can tell me the situation on whether the club want me to stay or not.

"I'd love to be at Barnsley, but only if I'm wanted by the club."