Premier League side Bolton Wanderers are set to step up their efforts to sign Barnsley captain Brian Howard in the next couple of days after their attempts to sign Michael Tonge from Sheffield United were thwarted.
Bolton boss Gary Megson bid £2m for 25 year old midfielder Tonge who has been at Bramall Lane for eight years. Blades manager Kevin Blackwell turned down the offer though and Megson will now set his sights on Howard, who scored 14 goals in 2007-2008 and should be available for around the £2m mark.
If Howard does make his way into the Premier League, Reds boss Simon Davey is likely to replace him with another left-footed midfielder.
Republic of Ireland international midfielder Alan O'Brien could arrive from Scottish Premier League side Hibernian.
23 year old O'Brien who has five caps for the ROI- the last of which coming in October 2006 in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in a Euro 2008 qaulifer- joined Hibs for £350,000 from Newcastle last summer, but has failed to shine for Mixu Paatelainen's side, making just seven starts and 22 substitute appearances.
It is likely The Reds will look for a loan deal for O'Brien as it is unlikely they will be willing to pay what Hibs did last summer.
In recent weeks, Hartlepool, Swansea, Blackpool, Carlisle and Preston have been linked with O'Brien.
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