Wilson welcomes ‘strength and tenacity’ which Scowen will offer Barnsley midfield

Scowen, 21, will provide competition in the engine room for Barnsley, who also have bids in for a centre-half and a winger, both described as exciting talents by chief executive Ben Manford.

The promotion-chasing Chairboys were keen to keep hold of Scowen and offered him a new three-year deal, but have now reluctantly agreed to cash in with a number of higher-division clubs also circling.

Scowen has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Oakwell outfit.

Manager Danny Wilson said: “We have identified what we feel is one of the best players in the division.

“He is highly regarded by his team-mates and those he’s played against this season.

“We are looking forward to working with him. He gives us tenacity and adds strength to the team. Looking at him, he has got the heart of a lion – that is what we need and what we want.”

On the departure of Scowen, Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth commented: “Nobody wanted to keep Josh at Wycombe more than I did, and we did everything we could to persuade him to stay, but it is difficult for us to compete with bigger clubs in higher divisions.”

York City have extended Middlesbrough defender Brad Halliday’s loan until the end of the season.