Tom Bradshaw future: Barnsley and Walsall 'miles apart' on value

Barnsley boss Paul Heckingtbottom has reaffirmed his interest in Walsall's Tom Bradshaw – but admitted the two clubs are 'miles apart' in their valuation.

The 38-year-old, who guided the Tykes to promotion into the Championship last season, spoke out as the Saddlers saw two more players leave yesterday.

Winger Anthony Forde agreed a three-year deal to join Championship outfit Rotherham while midfielder Sam Mantom signed for League One rivals Scunthorpe after also agreeing a three-year contract.

It means the duo have joined Romaine Sawyers, Jason Demetriou, Milan Lalkovic and Paul Downing in rejecting a new deal at the Banks's Stadium, with Jordan Cook and Andy Taylor expected to follow.

Now supporters are hoping star striker Bradshaw will not be the next person out the door with Barnsley and Rotherham weighing up bids and Nottingham Forest, Blues and Reading monitoring the situation.

The Tykes made an initial offer of £250,000, rising to £400,000, last month. But that was promptly rejected by the Saddlers board.

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And Heckingbottom refused to rule out making a second bid at a press conference yesterday.

"We made a bid for Tom – he is a striker coming into the last year of his contract," Heckingbottom said.

"We think we can offer him something good here.

"But Walsall have his contract. We have to respect that and we have to agree something with them first.

"That is the first thing. They obviously value him a lot higher than we are willing to bid at the minute. We will just have to wait and see if we go in again.

"As it stands, what we said and what they said is miles apart."

Heckingbottom believes Bradshaw will be a strong addition to his side as they look to cement their place in the Championship.

"He fits into what we are trying to do and he scores goals," the boss added.

"He is the right age. He will add something to our front line.

"He is hungry – you can see that when he plays and he has energy.

"We believe he is a player who we can make better and will improve our team and improve in value."

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