Marc Roberts is going to ignore the speculation about him moving away from Oakwell this summer until the Reds have accepted an offer for him to consider.
The 26-year-old has impressed in his first season at Championship level and was linked with Premier League clubs during the January transfer window. Being from Penistone and now living in Tankersley, captain Roberts admits he has more ties to the area than most of his colleagues but that may not keep him with the Reds forever.
The centre-back, whose contract expires at the end of next season, told the Chronicle: "I didn't take any notice of the speculation in January and I won't take any notice until there is an offer from another club in front of me in black and white. I have another year left on my contract and I will give everything for Barnsley.
"I am a Barnsley boy so it is ideal for me to play here and I am very happy here. But, like every player and even the staff, I want to get as high up the leagues as I can. If an opportunity did arrive, I would have to look at it."
Roberts arrived from non-league side Halifax Town at the start of last season and helped the Reds to promotion from League One before establishing himself and the team in the Championship. He has made 34 league starts for Barnsley this season, with only goalkeeper Adam Davies making more.
The former Wakefield, Worksop and Buxton defender has made the most clearances of any player in the Championship this season and also won the most aerial battles. He said: "I don't really look at stats like that but it's nice to be at the top of those lists. It's a team game and I am only in that position because of my team-mates.
"I pride myself on winning the ball in the air and being in the right position to clear the ball, and that is shown in those stats. As a player, you are your own biggest critic. I have done quite well this season and I am pretty happy but I always watch the goals back and I think I could have done better with a few of them. I think I could have scored more this season as well."
Roberts could come up against one of his former Barnsley team-mates when they face Sheffield Wednesday in their next game on April 1. Sam Winnall made the move from Oakwell to Hillsborough in January and Roberts is looking forward to coming up against the striker in a big local derby.
Roberts said: "They are all big games and none of them are easy, but a derby against Sheffield Wednesday is one you look forward to. Sam was a team-mate of mine and we had a lot of success together, but he is a Sheffield Wednesday player and I am a Barnsley player so I will be looking to stop him. There will be no love lost between us."
