Barnsley, Sheffield United to battle for Mark O'Brien loan from Derby County?

Barnsley and Sheffield United will reportedly battle it out to sign Mark O'Brien on loan from Derby County next season.

The 21-year-old defender didn't appear once for the Rams last season after suffering a serious knee injury towards the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

Derby boss Steve McClaren is now believed to be keen on sending the Irishman out on loan.

According to the Derby Telegraph, League One sides Barnsley and United are interested in giving him a first-team opportunity.

United might have the better chance of signing him as they are managed by Nigel Clough, who worked with O'Brien during his time at Derby.