Hull City are now leading the race to sign Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles, according to a report by journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Hull are fresh off a great win on Friday against Sunderland, with loan signing Fabio Carvalho scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win. Liam Rosenior’s side are now looking to add some more strength to the squad, and have identified Styles as someone who could do just that.
The English-born Hungarian midfielder has scored three goals in 20 games in League One this season helping his Barnsley side to sit fifth in the league currently. He is a versatile player, who can play anywhere across the middle of the pitch and even up the top end when required.
At international level, he has featured in his country’s last two games against Montenegro and Bulgaria in the Euro Qualifiers, playing a combined 154 minutes in both games and has been capped 18 times for his country so far in his career.
The Tigers recently lost Scott Twine to Bristol City after an initial successful loan spell in the first half of the season, and are aiming to try and replace him before the window closes. The Tykes are open to selling the player permanently, but a loan is also not ruled out.
In regards to competition for the midfielder’s signature, Hull are joined by Birmingham City in the pursuit of the 23-year-old. Tony Mowbray is keen to add some new faces to his new squad this January, and Styles is one of the targets the former Sunderland manager has identified. The Blues currently trail Hull in the race.
Formerly of Bury and Millwall, Styles has a current market value of £2.1 million, as per Transfermarkt. He has played 124 times in the Championship previously, scoring nine times and delivering six assist and also helped Barnsley reach the play-offs in the 20/21 season, ultimately losing out over two legs to Swansea City.
There is no current agreement for either of the interested clubs as of yet, with Styles expected to be part of the Tykes squad to face Oxford United away from home on Tuesday.
Writer’s View
The Barnsley man would represent a smart replacement after losing Twine, by signing an international with tons of experience at the level. Styles would add depth and quality to a side who are looking to cement their place in the top six in the second half of the campaign.
Birmingham will try and convince him to join the relegation battle at St Andrew’s, but the likelihood is if Rosenior’s side becomes serious in the race for the player it won’t be long until we see him at the MKM Stadium.
