Barnsley look set to make a late move for Derby County defender Jake Rooney on a season-long loan.
The Tykes have done well this summer to keep hold of key players such as Davis Keillor-Dunn, who have been linked with moves away this summer. However, Conor Hourihane has not seen any high-profile exits from his squad this window, with Stephen Humphrys’ exit to Bradford City being the most notable departure from Oakwell.
Cooper Loan Tipped
According to Football League World, Jake Rooney will head to Barnsley on loan for the whole season after John Eustace sanctioned an exit for the 22-year-old. An academy graduate for The Rams, he has played just twice at centre-back this season in both of County’s EFL Cup games against Burnley and West Bromwich Albion.
Eustace has added to his defensive options over the summer after the loss of Nat Phillips after his loan move expired, with Danny Batth and Dion Sanderson both arriving at Pride Park. With Cooper moving down the pecking order, a move to Barnsley will see him compete for first-team minutes alongside players like Jack Shephard and Josh Earl, who have been Hourihane’s go-to partnership at the back.
The South Yorkshire side have five senior centre-back options as it stands, with Mael de Gevigney, Connor Barratt and veteran Marc Roberts also in the squad. Elsewhere in the squad, John McAtee could still join on loan after a bid was submitted earlier today, however, Steven Schumacher previously said a potential exit for the Bolton Wanderers star was unlikely.
Writers’ View
A great final addition to Barnsley’s squad, a move for Jake Cooper will give Conor Hourihane a good selection headache to deal with. The 22-year-old may not have much senior experience but can bed in with a squad looking to challenge at the very top of League One, and can free Mael de Gevigney to play in a fullback role from now on. With no high profile exits considering who was tipped to leave this summer, Barnsley have had a very underrated summer window which could get even better if there is a new update on John McAtee within the coming minutes.
