Barnsley captain Jacob Butterfield has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The 21 year-old midfielder will undergo surgery on Friday after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the club’s 4-1 win over Leeds United on 31 December.
Butterfield who came through the club’s youth ranks had been in fine form and was called up to the England Under-21 squad by manager Stuart Pearce in November.
He has scored five goals in 25 appearances this season and was thought to be interesting the likes of Everton, Wolves and Newcastle United.
Tykes manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Sheffield: “It’s really sad. He’s been absolutely superb for us.”
“He’s one of the most sought after creative midfield players in the Championship.”
“His season has been brought to an abrupt end when he was in such a strong position not just for Barnsley but for his own future as well.”
