Reds battle for Bradshaw as Hammill signs new contract

The Star understands the Reds - who yesterday confirmed Adam Hammill has signed a new two-year deal - have already had a bid believed to be £400,000 rejected for the centre forward, with the Saddlers holding on for a bigger fee for the player. Birmingham City are understood to have also tabled a bid for the 23-year-old Welsh international, with Rangers and Nottingham Forest also linked. “We’re looking at a lot of players for next season, but Tom and George Moncur are two players we’ve put bids in for,” Reds boss Paul Heckingbottom told The Star. “They’re both very good players and players we think would fit in well at the club. They fit the mould of player we’re looking at. “Looking at our squad we definitely need another centre forward, a central midfielder and strength on the wings. Those are areas we’re looking to strengthen in.” The Reds are expected to increase their offer for Bradshaw while a £500,000 offer has been accepted for Moncur, although Peterborough United have also had a bid accepted for the same player. Meanwhile, Heckingbottom took time to wish Paul Wilkinson, the club’s former development coach, well for the future. Wilkinson joined the Reds in March on an interim basis, but left the Championship club on Monday to take up a position as the new assistant manager of Northampton Town. “I know Paul was torn about leaving, he really considered staying at Barnsley because he enjoyed it here,” said Heckingbottom. “But I fully understand why he made the decision to leave. It’s a great opportunity for him and I really do wish him all the best there.” Striker Harry White officially left the club yesterday and signed for Solihull Motors for a nominal fee. The Solihull-born hitman signed for the Reds on a two-year deal in September 2015, but the 21-year-old has departed after just nine months. White made two substitute appearances for the Reds’ first team in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, but spent most of last season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers and Boreham Wood. Winger Hammill signed his deal after his heroics last season, which included a stunning goal in the club’s League One Play-Off final win. “Adam is the right fit for this football club,” Heckingbottom said. “He’s a fans favourite and was the catalyst for helming us turn things around last season.” Hammill re-joined the Reds in November last year for his second spell at Oakwell and went on to win the Fans’ Player of the Season award for some starring performances. He scored nine goals last season and was being courted by a number of other clubs. But the chance to continue his career with the Reds, who are now back in the Championship, proved a proposition too good to turn down.