BARNSLEY have secured the signing of young Burnley centre-half Bobby Thomas on loan for the rest of the season - with the 21-year-old becoming the club's second addition of the January transfer window.

Thomas will provide cover for Tom Edwards, who is out for a spell with a knee problem.

Thomas is well known to Reds chief Michael Duff from his time managing the Clarets' under-21s, with the defender named as theclub's 2018-19 Young Player of the Year.

The 6ft 1in player, who was on the books of Everton and Crewe before joining Burnley, spent the first half of the campaign on loan at the Reds' League One rivals Bristol Rovers, where he impressed in 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.

Michael Duff, who has signed Bobby Thomas from Burnley. Picture: Getty Images.

Duff said: “We are pleased to be able to add Bobby into the squad.

“He’s done really well at Burnley amongst the youth set-up and has been in around the first team in recent years. He had a good spell recently at Bristol Rovers meaning he’s up and ready to make an impact in this squad.

“As a staff we are happy that Bobby has chosen Oakwell to develop his football and further his promising footballing career.”

Thomas, under contract at Burnley until the summer of 2024 and highly regarded by Clarets boss Vincent Kompany added: “I can’t wait to get started. The club is in a brilliant position to kick on for the second half of the season and I hope to be a part of it.”Earlier this month, Barnsley brought in Cardiff striker Max Watters on loan, with Duff looking to sign 'three or four' players this month.

Barnsley FC transfer news: Michael Duff raids old club Burnley to sign highly-rated centre-half Bobby Thomas on loan