Barnsley have finally admitted they are resigned to losing captain Jacob Butterfield in the summer with a host of clubs chasing the midfielder.
21-year-old Butterfield, who came through the youth ranks at Oakwell is currently sidelined with a cruciate knee ligament injury, which he picked up in the 4-1 win over Leeds on New Years Eve.
Prior to that he had made a blistering start to the 2011-2012 season, coupling being handed the captaincy by new boss Keith Hill with scoring five times in 25 appearances.
His contract though is up in the summer and the Bradford born youngster who was called up to the England Under 21 squad earlier in the campaign, is set to leave with Middlesbrough and Newcastle leading the chase.
Hill told local media:
Do I want to keep the best young midfielder in the Championship? Of course I do,"
"But this club cannot compete financially with other clubs in this league and we keep losing players.
"We have offered Jacob a contract but he will receive other offers that are much better financially. I think he will probably leave at the end of the season."
The Reds will not be left empty handed if Butterfield does depart, as they will be due compensation due him being under the age of 24.