Are the Rams looking to reduce the cost of the £1m transfer fee for Tykes Captain Jason Shackell by swapping Miles Addison as part of the deal. Save some money but throw away a potential superstar? No thanks!
Media reports has Barnsley still turning a profit if such a deal was completed, which amazes me considering before his injury Addison was being hailed as one of the most promising youngsters in England.
The worst part is should the deal happen, instead of the Rams shelling out a significant fee, they would prefer to lose a talented youngster on the cheap just to save some coin on the transfer.
The way forward? I don't think so!
I had hoped the talk was just a rumour but comments yesterday from new Tykes manager Keith Hill has me worried that the deal may be close to being done.
Hill spoke to barnsleyfc.co.uk about his current Captain leaving and his desire to land Miles:
“I believe he (Shackell) is an excellent player who will be missed, but my job, as the manager, is to replace him as quick as I can and move forward. If he does end up moving away I may have more options in the transfer market as a result of that. What we do need are players who want to play for Barnsley Football Club.”
“Miles is a player I admire and there is a possibility of him coming from Derby County. I know him well and he is someone I would like to see come here. He is a multi-positional player who can play centre half and right back as well as in midfield. I believe he would be a great acquisition for Barnsley Football Club.”
Personally I would be very, very sad to see Miles leave Derby and also be concerned it could be a move that would come back to haunt the club.
Addison is a player who has shown much potential and has not just represented England at U21 level, at his best looked like he had the ability to go all the way in the game and make it at the highest level.
Before the injury that put him on the sidelines for much of last season, Addison did not look out of place in multiple positions whether up back or in the heart of midfield.
He looked able to stand tall in defence, marshall the midfield and has an un-tapped potential to get forward and score goals. Miles even looked quite comfortable at home playing against the might of Manchester United not all that long ago.
If the Rams were looking at off-loading him on his form of late last season I would ask them to reconsider.
A long term injury is not easy to come back from both mentally and physically. History proves that few players hit the ground running and Miles looked half the player he was before being struck down. That talent is still in the boy and only time, confidence and support will help it return.
He returned to a Rams squad depleted in both number and confidence, braved screws in his foot, delayed an operation and pulled on the boots for his club when they needed him. His form was good at first but fell away to the point where he was out of favour by seasons end.
I thought a solid pre-season and putting his ailments behind him would see Miles return better than ever. Now he may not get the chance!
Clough has always stated Miles was a big part of the clubs future and has often been discussed as a possible Captain of the club. To let him go for anything less than a couple of million pounds could be the bargain of the century for a rival club.
The other thing Clough and co. need to remember is Addison is only 22 years of age. His best years of football are ahead of him and it is a proven sporting fact that a boy of his size will grow into his skin slower but by mid-twenties will be looking to play at the peak of his powers.
Unless Miles is looking for a fresh start and has asked to leave, then I would be extremely disappointed if the club moved him on. Instead they should be ensuring they will be the recipients of the talent they have nurtured as I believe he will bring much to the table in years to come.
If let go for a minimal fee in a swap deal or any transfer for that matter, DCFC fans may look back in years to come and discuss him in the same breath as Tom Huddlestone when talking about those who should never have given away.
I for one will take little pleasure watching Miles growing into his potential and talent at another club and even less if one day he is running around in an England shirt which up until his injury, seemed a distinct possibility.
I can hear the radio commentator now as he fills in time talking about Miles being a ‘former Derby County player’. I would be joined by many Rams fans as it burns a hole in our black and white hearts.
The fact Huddlestone could be the one receiving the ball from Addison would only make the pain a whole lot worse!
**Addison Article Update**
Original reports out of Barnsley late yesterday suggested the move would be permanent and part of the Shackell transfer but early today Rams sources are suggesting it will only be a loan move if it does happen.
If that is the case it could be a good thing for Miles as he attmpts to regain fitness and form.
Though you have to wonder why all reports from Tykes sources were for a planned permanent swap deal as part of the fee for Shackell.
We will have to wait and see if and how any deals pan out.