Exclusive: Barnsley’s Kieran Flavell Turning Head as Fulham and Brighton Send Scouts

Young goalkeeper Kieran Flavell could be in line for a whirlwind journey to the Premier League.

SportsBoom have been told that a number of top flight clubs are interested in securing the services of the promising 21-year-old.

Flavell was recalled from a loan spell at National League North side Farsley Celtic at the start of the year due to a injury crisis at the club.

His performances have attracted the likes of Fulham, Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as Championship outfit Sheffield United, who are seeking promotion back to the promised land via the playoffs. 

SportsBoom sources understand Fulham have sent scouts to Oakwell to watch the talented stopper since his return to South Yorkshire ahead of a potential pursuit of the player this summer.

Flavell is out of contract at the end of the season with higher-ups at Oakwell keen to tie him down to a new deal before his head gets swayed from elsewhere with a number of clubs keen to secure his signature.

On the speculation surrounding the youngster, boss Hourihane said: “I'm not particularly aware of [clubs monitoring Flavell], but when a young lad is doing well and taking his opportunity, there's going to be some speculation.”

“He's a good lad. No doubt he's got people in the background looking around, that's how football works, let's be honest. He's done really well and needs to concentrate on his football.”

RISING STAR 

Amazingly, Flavell was plying his trade in non-league in January and could become a Premier League footballer this summer.

It would be a rapid rise for a player who was at seventh-tier Mickelover earlier in the campaign.

Flavell, who joined the club when he was eight, would be the latest in a long line of talents who have come off the Oakwell conveyor belt over the years.

The likes of Premier League winner John Stones, Mason Holgate and James Bree have all played at the highest level after coming through the academy at the club.