Tyke that! Forte poised for Barnsley switch

Jonathan Forte: move to Barnsley?

JONATHAN Forte is set to join his former boss Lee Johnson at Barnsley.

Last season’s 15-goal top scorer, under contract to the end of next season, has been heavily linked with Athletic’s rivals over a switch that would see him return to his native South Yorkshire.

Forte played in the second half of the Bolton friendly on Tuesday night, but moves are believed to have been underway even then for him to make the move to the ambitious Oakwell club.

A deal isn’t complete, but the Chronicle understands a small fee would be involved if it goes ahead.

Forte’s impending departure follows from injury problems last season and the relative wealth of Athletic’s options within the existing squad in forward positions.

Rhys Turner, Jake Cassidy, Rhys Murphy, Danny Philliskirk, Dominic Poleon and Jordan Bove are among other contracted players who can fulfil striking roles for manager Darren Kelly.

Forte played 37 times last season following a full season of inactivity at Southampton. But after a stunning start, with 11 goals in 13 games, the 28 year old managed only a further four in 24 appearances.

Knee and thigh issues might have contributed to a decline in effectiveness, as well as a slump in the team’s overall form with the loss of key men to injury in the second half of the year.

If Forte leaves it will create extra room in the budget to pursue Kelly’s most pressing recruitment issue, a new centre back.

Gavin Gunning is on trial but is short of fitness. David Dunn was at the Bolton game and remains a target, but the more pressing concern is to fill gaps left by experienced defensive leaders Adam Lockwood and George Elokobi. One other player who appeared set to leave, right-back Brian Wilson, appears to be staying for now.

“Because he is a quality player and until things change, he will continue to be part of the team,” said Kelly