Michael Mifsud is weighing up an offer to join Barnsley before tomorrow's transfer window deadline, well-placed sources have told The Sunday Times.

Mifsud has been persistently linked with a move away from Coventry City as the latter are known to be willing to cash in on the nippy Malta striker rather than risk losing him for nothing when his existing contract expires at the end of the season.

Mifsud was not in the Coventry squad for yesterday's match against Derby. He reportedly travelled up north on Friday to hold talks with Barnsley after the latter stepped up their pursuit for the former Lillestrom forward.

It is believed that Mifsud's agent has secured a very attractive deal for the player with Barnsley but the 27-year-old has asked to be given more time to consider his options.

Reports in England yesterday morning suggested that Mifsud's proposed transfer to Barnsley had fallen through but the move appears to be currently on hold at Mifsud's request.

Barnsley's bid, believed to be around 300,000 pounds, has been accepted by Coventry. Barnsley's manager Simon Davey is believed to have made a big impression on the Mifsud team with his willingness to play last season's leading Coventry striker in his favoured position.

Last week, Barnsley signed Daniel Bogdanovic from Lokomotiv Sofia for an undisclosed fee and if their overtures for Mifsud prove successful, they are likely to pin their scoring hopes on an all-Maltese forward line in their quest to retain their Championship status.

Although Barnsley are now widely seen to be in pole position to sign Mifsud, Sheffield United are said to be considering a last-minute swoop for the Coventry stalwart while a host of other clubs, including some outside the UK, are also monitoring the situation.