Reds Could Copp Doncaster Star

Last updated : 24 July 2014 By Rob Miles (BarnsleyBoy)

Barnsley could be set to make a third raid on South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers by signing their stalwart midfielder James Coppinger.

Doncaster, who like Barnsley were relegated from the Championship in May, have been rocked this summer by the failed takeover bid by former owner John Ryan and One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and now several players who were set to sign or renew contracts are looking for pastures new.

One of those is 33-year-old Coppinger who has made 406 appearances for the Keepmoat side in two spells since first signing back in 2004 for just £30,000.

Coppinger who has also played for Newcastle, Hartlepool, Queens Park Rangers, Exeter and Nottingham Forest has netted 41 times for Doncaster, three of which came against Barnsley including both in the 2-2 draw at the Keepmoat back in February.

Barnsley are one of a number of clubs that Coppinger is in talks with but when asked by BBC Radio Sheffield today he replied:

“A club like Barnsley is a massive club and a club you would like to play football at”

Barnsley have already signed goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who played 31 times for Doncaster last season and midfielder James Bailey who was on trial at the Keepmoat but opted to sign for Barnsley when the failed takeover meant they could not offer him a suitable package.