BBC Radio Sheffield yesterday reported that Howard would be joining the Blades on loan until January when a £650,000 deal would be concluded permanently.
Howard, now 25, joined the Reds from Swindon Town on a free transfer in 2005 and has gone on to play 135 games for the Reds, netting 28 goals including the 90th minute winner at Anfield last season.
Meanwhile, rumours have started going round that the Reds are set to bolster their goal-shy strike force by bringing veteran Hull City striker Dean Windass to the club on loan.
Windass, who will turn 40 on April Fools' Day, has had a goal-ridden career, scoring 223 goals in 567 appearances could be the ticket to a few more goals for the Reds, having only scored four in the opening eight games of the season.
Scarborough Tykes Verdict: I think it's time for Howard to go. He doesn't seem bothered anymore and hasn't done much since that goal at Anfield. Yes, he's scored goals for us and probably kept us up last season but no player is bigger than Barnsley FC and I'm afraid it's time to go Brian. We got him for nothing in 2005, we've probably got the best 3 seasons out of his career and he cost us nowt. Thanks for the memories Brian but don't expect a good reception when you come back a Blunt.
On the Windass front, I would be delighted to see him in a Barnsley shirt. He's just what we need, an instinctive striker who knows where the net is. Our strike-force so far this year has yielded two goals, and Hume scored them both! Definitely need a new striker.