Former Hartlepool United attacker subject of rumoured £1 million bid from Championship side
Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers have tabled a £1 million bid for former Hartlepool United attacker Reyes Cleary, according to reports.
Matt Bottomley of The 72 reported on Monday that Barnsley, who signed the young attacker following his summer departure from West Brom, are demanding up to £5 million for Cleary's signature, however.
The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the finest loan signings Pools have ever made having enjoyed a hugely impressive spell at Victoria Park last season.
Following an unsuccessful stint at League Two Walsall in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, Cleary signed for Pools in January last year and went on to score six goals and provide seven assists in 18 appearances.
The youngster was a hugely popular figure on the terraces at Victoria Park, impressing with his pace, skill and commitment. Even when asked to operate in an unfamiliar wing-back role in Anthony Limbrick's 3-5-2 formation, Cleary caught the eye at both ends of the pitch while he was also hailed for his willingness to interact with fans, pose for pictures and sign autographs after matches.
Although Cleary was offered a new contract by West Brom over the summer, he left the Hawthorns in June after failing to agree a new deal and was snapped up by League One Barnsley.
Despite starting the season on the bench for Conor Hourihane's side, Cleary has wasted little time in establishing himself as one of the Football League's hottest properties, scoring five goals in 17 League One games.
Indeed, it seems that the versatile attacker has also attracted interest from further afield, with RoversXtra reporting that Blackburn were set to face competition from sides in Serie A and the Bundesliga as the race for the highly-rated youngster hots up.