4th January 2018

Subject to clearance, the 20-year-old has agreed the deal after completing his medical and will link-up with his new team-mates ahead of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup clash with Bradford City.

Manager Darren Way said: “Jared’s a very good player with all the attributes I feel this club needs. I watched him against Millwall and Tottenham and felt he did very well.

“He’s a young player, but Paul Heckingbottom is someone I trust and he fits with what we’re trying to do here. I look forward to working with him.”

New Town recruit Jared Bird challenges Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur

A calming, controlling presence in midfield, Bird came through Derby County’s Academy and upon the expiry of his two-year scholarship, Barnsley snapped up his services offering him his first professional contract in 2016.

He captained the Tykes’ Under-23s last term and his impressive performances led to being selected on the bench in the closing stages of Paul Heckingbottom’s side’s promotion-winning season. 

The youngster penned a contract extension in the summer and made his Barnsley debut in the Sky Bet Championship in August, before helping the Yorkshire outfit, alongside ex-Glovers loanee Ryan Hedges, run Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur close at Wembley in the Carabao Cup. 

In total, Bird has made four senior appearances for Barnsley and comes to Huish Park highly recommended.