Breaking: The Tykes closing in on deal sign £12,000 per week midfielder

Barnsley and Conor Hourihane are apparently “moving closer” in their efforts to get the former Derby County captain to make an emotional comeback.

After leaving Cheltenham last week, the Tykes named Darrell Clarke manager in preparation for a return to League One following their play-off defeat to Bolton. Additionally, as per the Barnsley Chronicle, negotiations are still going on in an attempt to finalize a deal for Hourihane, the former Derby captain who was among the six players let go following the team’s promotion.

Having completed his qualifications at Derby while also working with Aston Villa’s under-16 team, Hourihane is keen to advance into coaching.

There have been rumors of a player/coach position at Barnsley, and Hourihane, 33, may finalize a deal this week. That would complete a magnificent comeback to the team, where in 2017 he completed a move to Villa after winning the EFL Trophy and being promoted to the Championship.

“Two incredible years with the Rams has come to an end,” Hourihane remarked after it was confirmed that he was leaving Derby. From the first goal against Oxford to the League One promotion at the end.

“Captaining the club to the Championship was a big honour for me. Getting promotion was my aim when I signed and finishing on that note seems right. I wish the club nothing but the best moving into next season and hope it can keep moving forward in the right direction. Thank you Rams.”

Hourihane made a vital contribution to Derby’s promotion success last season having hit a crucial winner in a 3-2 win against Burton Albion at Pride Park. He made 47 appearances last season, scoring six goals.