Barnsley primed to make second offer for Walsall's Tom Bradshaw

And the Tykes manager, who guided his side to victory over the Saddlers in the League One play-offs, believes the Welsh striker is keen on a move away from the Banks's Stadium.

But while Barnsley continue to pursue the 23-year-old, it is Championship rivals Rotherham that are believed to be leading the chase for the former Shrewsbury man.

It is understood the Millers have made an offer in the region of £550,000 including add-ons for the popular hitman.

Manager Alan Stubbs had been keen to pair Bradshaw up front with Millwall's Lee Gregory next season.

But the Express & Star understands Stubbs has now ended his interest in Gregory after the club saw a final £1.5million offer rejected.

That has lead to their interest in Bradshaw intensifying with Rotherham keen to get a deal done as soon as possible.

Now Walsall will hope a bidding war begins and that Barnsley will re-enter the race after seeing a £250,000 offer rejected out of hand earlier this summer.

And Heckingbottom has refused to rule out a second bid.

He said: "We had an offer knocked back for Tom. He is someone we know was excellent at League One level and has a really good goal record.

"He himself is probably looking for a step-up. Be he is under contract with Walsall and until somebody gets a bid accepted it's difficult to do anything.

"We have not, as yet, gone back in with a second offer. It is ongoing. It's case of needing to know what the asking price is. Otherwise you keep making offers, making offers and getting knocked back.

"But there has not been much dialogue between to the clubs. Deals can happen in an instant or deals can go on and on and on. My preference though is to get players in as soon as possible."