AARON Leya Iseka has returned to Oakwell for pre-season training but Callum Styles is yet to join him, the Chronicle understands.
Styles was given some extra time off following international duty with Hungary whose last game was on June 20.
The 23-year-old is contracted with Barnsley until 2025 and has been expected to return for pre-season at Oakwell. It is thought that he is due back next week.
Styles spent last season on loan at Championship Millwall and has been linked with a move to Watford who are now managed by his former Reds boss Valerien Ismael. There is a release clause in his contract.
Iseka, the 24-year-old Belgian striker who is contracted until 2025, was loaned out to two Turkish second tier clubs last season.
He has not played for the Reds since August last year when he came off the bench in the EFL Cup at Middlesbrough.
Iseka is thought to be one of the higher-paid players at the club so could be moved on this summer to ease the wagebill.
He was not favoured by head coach Michael Duff who has left the club this summer.
Youngsters Aiden Marsh, Joe Ackroyd, Charlie Winfield and Kieren Flavell have all been offered new contracts.
New deals are yet to be confirmed but Marsh, Ackroyd and Winfield were played in the first friendly at Worksop Town on Saturday.
The Reds have so far brought in defenders Kacper Lopata and Jack Shepherd as well as goalkeeper Ben Killip, all from non-league clubs.
Other deals are thought to be in the works as the Reds look to add to their squad.
The Chronicle understands reports that the Reds are hoping to sign Blackpool defender Marvin Ekpiteta are wide of the mark.
Duff’s exit is understood to have been a factor in goalkeeper Harry Isted and winger Luke Thomas choosing not to sign new contracts at Barnsley and join their League One rivals Charlton Athletic and Bristol Rovers respectively.
Captain Mads Andersen was sold to Premier League new boys Luton Town this week.
He had one year remaining on his contract as do Brad Collins, Jordan Williams, Herbie Kane, Nicky Cadden, Devante Cole and James Norwood – all of whom would probably be strong contenders for the first 11 next season.
While other players may be sold if acceptable bids arrive, the Reds are keen to avoid an exodus from the squad that finished fourth last season with 86 points while they have also stated that they are willing to let players’ contracts expire and leave for free.
Wing-back Williams has been linked with Preston North End in the past while goalkeeper Collins looked likely to leave before the departure of Isted who had been number one since February.
