Why Barnsley fear ex-Portsmouth striker Conor Chaplin could be latest star to depart

Conor Chaplin returns to Fratton Park on Saturday, highly prized and clutching the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.
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And some Barnsley fans fear they could lose the services of their 10-goal striker during this January transfer window.

The in-form Chaplin is expected to line up for the Tykes against Pompey in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

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According to Barnsley Chronicle sports editor, Doug O’Kane, the striker has established himself as a player of the season contender during his maiden Championship season.

Following 15 years with the Blues, consisting of 25 goals and 122 appearances, Chaplin moved to Coventry in August 2018.

Yet it has been his summer move to Barnsley where he has flourished, with five goals in six December matches earning him the Sky Bet accolade.

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O’Kane said: ‘Barnsley usually get players picked every window – and Chaplin is the best player at moment and very much one of the form strikers in the Championship.

Conor Chaplin has scored nine goals in his last 14 Barnsley appearances to emerge as a contender of their player of the season. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty ImagesConor Chaplin has scored nine goals in his last 14 Barnsley appearances to emerge as a contender of their player of the season. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Conor Chaplin has scored nine goals in his last 14 Barnsley appearances to emerge as a contender of their player of the season. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images

‘He has done very well and some are fearful a club might come in with a bid during the last week of the transfer window.

‘Chaplin is definitely a contender for player of the season. Cauley Woodrow has been injured for the last month and Alex Mowatt has impressed, but I reckon if the vote was now Chaplin would win.

‘Head coach Gerhard Struber has insisted no players will leave this month, with a relegation battle they are definitely not selling.

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‘But there are some fears he might get poached beyond that window. Chaplin’s on a three-year contract with an option, it will take a massive bid for him to go.

‘Before Struber came in, he was not always up front, sometimes in the 10 position or in midfield, but the new head coach has put him up front in every game.

‘Chaplin has since scored nine goals in 14 matches and is now the Tykes’ leading scorer.’

Chaplin is expected to partner Jacob Brown in attack against Pompey, with Barnsley usually operating with a 4-4-2 diamond.

Woodrow announced his return from a hamstring injury as a substitute in the midweek defeat to Preston and is expected to operate at the tip of the diamond.

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