Southampton agree deal with Barnsley for Jason McCarthy

The Saints have agreed a deal with Championship side Barnsley for defender Jason McCarthy, if reports are to be believed.

Despite being a local, homegrown talent who has performed well in League One and Two, Southampton are believed to be parting ways with young defender Jason McCarthy for a fee as little as £200,000.

The 21-year-old had spent the last year on loan with Walsall, proving himself as a versatile defender with the knack for scoring goals.

Playing predominantly at right-back McCarthy featured in all 46 of his side’s League One games this past campaign, scoring on five occasions.

With Cuco Martina set to be released and Cedric occasionally linked with a move away from the club, some fans felt that McCarthy could’ve played a role in the squad next season.

However it seems like the club don’t rate him as highly as the supporters do, with the club giving in to the interest from Championship clubs.

Promoted Sheffield United had been linked with a move for the man for some time, but it seems like their Yorkshire rivals will beat them to his signature.

McCarthy has spent the past two seasons away on loan from the Saints, firstly with Wycombe before joining Walsall last summer. He’s been named each side’s Player of the Season during his respective seasons with them.

Barnsley meanwhile will hope to improve on a 14th-placed finish in England’s second tier going into next season with McCarthy on their books, with only three teams conceding more goals than the side last campaign.

McCarthy’s future with the Saints had been in doubt for some time, with his contract soon to expire on the south coast.