Derby County and Sheffield United are preparing to compete for Reyes Cleary. Sheffield United have been interested in Cleary since January, while Derby's interest is more recent. Barnsley are close to completing a deal for Australian winger Clayton Taylor, who will reportedly replace Cleary, which would allow for a move. Both Derby and Sheffield United are interested in the player. The Tykes want to sell Cleary to help fund other additions to their squad. A deal for Cleary could proceed more quickly following the announcement of Taylor's arrival, but it is not yet known which club will sign the player from Barnsley.

According to Football League World, Derby County and Bristol City are preparing to pursue Barnsley's English winger Reyes Cleary, who is expected to be pursued by several second-tier clubs. Football League World understands that the League One club will likely be forced to sell Cleary this summer to raise funds due to financial uncertainty. Previous reports from late in the January transfer window indicated that Barnsley had an asking price of £5 million for the 22-year-old, amid purported interest from Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers. Bristol City were also mentioned as being interested at that time, and Football League World discloses that the club intends to renew its interest. Cleary, who has been capped twice for England U19, joined Barnsley in July 2025 and has a contract until June 2028. During the winter 2026 transfer window, Blackburn Rovers reportedly had multiple bids rejected, with offers reaching up to £1.5 million, while reports from May 2026 suggest Barnsley's current valuation is approximately £3 million.