Barnsley have made their first signing of the January transfer window with hours to spare, loaning Amine Bassi from Metz for the remainder of the season.
There is no option in the deal for the Reds to buy the 24-year-old attacking midfielder.
Bassi spent four years at Barnsley’s sister club Nancy before moving to top flight club Metz last summer.
He has played just five games this season, starting two including a 1-0 win at Reims two weeks ago.
The Morocco under 21 international has played 105 games in the French second division, scoring 24 goals.
The Reds are also close to loaning in Watford midfielder Domingos Quina.
Head coach Poya Asbaghi told the club website: "Amine is a talented player who we hope will make an instant impact. He can play in a number of positions across the forward line, which is a significant asset. He brings with him a strong desire to improve whilst also strengthening our existing group.
“Importantly, Amine is also a technical player and someone who can play a killer pass. As a Club, we will do our upmost to welcome him in and provide a platform for him to hit the ground running.”
Bassi added: “This will be a new, challenging experience and I’m very happy to be part of this club. I like to think of myself as an offensive player; I like to score and to make other players score, so what you can expect from me is I will try to be incisive in games.
“The thing I can say is that I will try my very best, but particularly in the challenge that we have of staying up. So, I think the fans will be happy to cheer for me.”
