Barnsley's Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion are targeting head coach Valerien Ismael.
While the Chronicle understands there has been no formal approach as of Friday morning, reports in the Midlands suggest the Baggies have made the Frenchman the prime candidate for their vacant position and are willing to pay the reported £2million in compensation.
It is understood that Ismael has a release clause in his contract and, if another club pays that fee to the Reds, then they are free to agree personal terms with him.
Sources at Oakwell insist he is still expected to lead pre-season training there on June 28.
He led the Reds to fifth in the Championship last season after taking over in October, before they lost in the Championship play-offs to Swansea. West Brom have just dropped out of the Premier League.
