Barnsley manager Neill Collins says his side are under no pressure to sell Wrexham target James Norwood, as reported by the Barnsley Chronicle.
The League Two side have been linked with a move for the 32-year-old, who has featured heavily for the Tykes throughout pre-season.
Wrexham’s hand could be forced in the transfer market following the injury to star striker Paul Mullin, who punctured his lung in a collision with young Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop during their tour in the USA, with no current timeframe on his return ahead of the start of the new season.
Eastbourne-born Norwood scored 11 goals in 42 appearances during the regular season, helping the South Yorkshire outfit to the League One play-off final, where they would suffer an agonising defeat at Wembley to county rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
The 5ft 10″ forward has one year left on his contract at Oakwell, and the arrivals of Max Watters and Andy Dallas could hinder his game time, as Collins now has plenty of firepower at his disposal.
Arriving on a free following the expiration of his contract at Ipswich Town, the former Forest Green and Tranmere man has proven to be a shrewd addition, and the club could turn a quick profit if they decide to cash in this summer.
The experienced forward enjoyed his best form in the fourth tier during the 2018/19 season, ending the campaign as the joint-top scorer in English football with 32 goals at Tranmere, firing the Super White Army to promotion whilst earning a spot in the League Two Team of the Year.
What’s been said?
After finding the back of the net again against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, Collins addressed the interest in Norwood:
“Clubs want good players. He’s scored for goals in pre-season, he’s good at pressing. If you’re at a club no one wants your players, you are in big trouble. A lot of people want our players but thankfully we’re in a position to control who gets to leave. If anything, we have just got to add to them.
“You have got James, Devante (Cole) scored 15 goals last season, we have brought in Max Watters and Andy Dallas who are exciting, Oli Shaw has had a good pre-season.”
Writer’s View
With 179 goals in 493 outings, Norwood would be the perfect addition to Phil Parkinson’s side. The accomplished forward has been prolific in League Two in the past, and has the experience of achieving promotion from that level, which will be the target for the Welsh side this season.
As for Norwood personally, Wrexham could provide guaranteed minutes on the pitch, even following the return of Mullin, as Parkinson has favoured two forwards in the side during his tenure. The move would also surely represent a decent pay day for the 32-year-old, whilst there is the very realistic expectation that he and the club could find themselves in League One again next season.
