Barnsley boss Keith Hill has told BBC Radio Sheffield that he is still optimistic about signing Manchester United midfielder Oliver Norwood.
The 21-year-old central midfielder spent time on loan with Coventry and Scunthorpe last season and impressed in those two spells.
He has been on Barnsley's radar since the beginning of pre-season and the Reds have already had two bids turned down by Sir Alex.
Hill told a reporter from the BBC station:
"We're optimistic but we need to make sure we strike a financial balance,"
"He represents good value for money. He can be creative, he can score goals and he can play in a two-man midfield."
Hill also tried to clear up the situation surrounding out-of-contract skipper Jacob Butterfield:
"I've had some positive discussions with Jacob,"
"We have to be patient and wait for him to make his decision. If I were him I'd be worried that I didn't have my future sorted at this point.
"I believe he is still open to staying with us but I am led to believe there are a number of Premier League teams after him. If there are, I would have expected them to have made a move by now."