Barnsley have announced the signing of forward Mike Phenix from Conference bottom club Telford United.
Teenage striker Rhys Oates could go in the opposite direction on loan today while Reuben Noble-Lazarus is also set to go out on loan when he recovers from illness early next week.
Phenix, 25, who has six goals in 14 matches so far this season, has joined the Reds until the summer of 2016 for an undisclosed fee.
He will quit his job at an alcohol wholesalers and leave Telford where he was employed on a non-contract basis, meaning he can sign for Barnsley before the January transfer window. Phenix's career has been slowed down by ulcerative colitis, the same bowel condition that has kept Manchester United's Darren Fletcher out for a season. The inflammatory disease has sidelined him on several occasions including for a month last season but he is understood to be on new medication which has improved his condition.
The Lancashire lad was on Bolton Wanderers' books as a youngster but was playing for his local side Hindsford in the Manchester League until just two years ago.
He had a trial at Notts County before starring for both Droylsden and Skelmersdale in the Northern Premier League then moving on to Telford where he earned promotion to the Conference this year.
Phenix had always played as a right wing before this season when he was converted to a striker. He is the Bucks' top-scorer and bagged a brace in the 3-1 success at Woking on Saturday which was just their second in 17 games.
Phenix, who could face Bristol City tomorrow, said: "I'm chuffed to be bits. It's a bit overwhelming to be honest.
"It came about last night (Wednesday. My manager told me about the interest and it was a no-brainer. It all happened overnight and was a bit mad. I just thought I'd go for it and hopefully I can bring some success.
"I was used to training on Tuesday and Thursday nights. "I'm looking forward to training every day and getting as fit as I can."
