Club boss opens up on player's future as Sheffield United, Fulham and Brighton chase transfer | OneFootball

Barnsley's third-choice is out of contract at the end of the season

21-year-old goalkeeper Kieran Flavell was lining out for Farsley Celtic in the National League North less than three months ago. However, after a string of games in the Barnsley goal, he may be destined for a Premier League move this summer.

Flavell was recalled by Barnsley from his loan spell at the now-relegated sixth-tier side following his only clean sheet for the club against Warrington Town due to an injury to first-choice shot-stopper Joe Gauci.

But, when the club's number two, Jackson Smith, was forced off 14 minutes into the Tykes' battle with Mansfield Town, Flavell was thrown into League One action and is expected to end the season between the sticks for Conor Hourihanne's side.

In the last month, Flavell has caught the eye of Premier League duo Fulham and Brighton, as well as Championship promotion contenders, Sheffield United, according to the Daily Star, with the report going as far as to say that Fulham have sent scouts to watch the exciting youngster in action.

Flavell is out of contract at the end of the season, so Barnsley will now have to fight to retain his signature or risk losing him for free in the summer.

Conor Hourihane has his say on Kieran Flavell speculation

Barnsley interim head coach Conor Hourihane downplayed any reports suggesting that young keeper Kieran Flavell is the subject of interest from clubs in higher divisions.

However, he believes that the speculation is understandable given his recent performance in the Barnsley goal.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Hourihane said, "I'm not particularly aware of [clubs monitoring Flavell], but when a young lad is doing well and taking his opportunity, there's going to be some speculation.

"I know he is obviously out of contract in the summer and has played games at a really good time for him and he has done well. He's a good lad and wants to learn and loves being at the football club, coming up through the academy and wants to be here.

Flavell has been at Barnsley since the age of eight and has had to bide his time for an opportunity in the senior squad. All of his six Barnsley appearances have come this season, with a sole start in an EFL Trophy defeat to Doncaster Rovers his only other outing alongside his current five-game run in League One.

Hourinhane continued: "Speculation comes with the territory. No doubt he's got people in the background looking around, that's how football works, let's be honest. He's done really well and needs to concentrate on his football."

Barnsley will hope that Kieran Flavell repays the faith shown in him by signing a new contract

Kieran Flavell's inclusion in the Barnsley starting eleven came as a surprise for many Tykes' fans, who had expected Hourihane to use an emergency loan for the final handful of games this season.

Hourihane opted to trust in the 21-year-old, who has done his best in a Barnsley team who are winless in seven.

Therefore, Barnsley will be hopeful that Flavell will take on the opportunity to nail down the number one spot for next season, rather than make the move to most likely be a backup at a Premier League side.

Following his first league start vs Cambridge United, Flavell said that his job was to secure the number one spot for the rest of the season and then "fight for it again" in 2026/27, so things are looking hopeful regarding the young keeper signing a new deal.

However, Flavell will be likely hoping for a more assured place in the starting eleven next season if he were to remain a Barnsley player. If he was to remain a backup at Oakwell, he might as well be a backup on a higher wage at a club in the top flight.