Sources: Stockport and Barnsley in battle to sign Ossama Ashley amid contract situation
League One rivals Stockport County and Barnsley are both eyeing a move for free agent midfielder Ossama Ashley, sources have told Football Insider.
The defensive midfielder is out of contract at Salford City, and is available on a free transfer as a result.
The 26-year-old impressed in League Two for the Ammies last term, helping them to reach the play-off final, where they were beaten by Notts County.
Ashley's performances have now seen him arrive on the radar of League One teams, with Stockport and Barnsley set to battle it out for his signature.
The former Colchester United man ended the 2024-25 campaign with an eye-catching 71 interceptions to his name, the highest tally of any player in the fourth tier that year.
He is now set to be presented with the chance to step up a division, with Stockport and Barnsley lining up a bargain deal.
Interest growing in Ossama Ashley
Ashley has been one of the standout midfielders in League Two in recent years, having previously made a name for himself during his time at Colchester.
His form during his debut campaign in League Two prompted Salford to pay an undisclosed fee to sign him back in 2023, and he has since gone from strength to strength in their colours.
Ashley was limited to just eight starts in the league for the ambitious Ammies in 2025-26, but previously starred for them in recent years.
He has never played League One football before in his career, but now has the chance to make the step up with interest growing in his services.
Stockport will be eyeing up another promotion push after losing the play-off final, while Barnsley are looking to build on their 15th-place finish from last season.
Stockport at risk of losing key star to the Championship
Football Insider revealed last week that Stockport could lose Jack Diamond for a cut-price fee this summer, with a Championship move set to be on the cards.
Portsmouth and Lincoln City are both lining up moves for the winger after a campaign that saw him notch 15 goal involvements in all competitions.
Diamond is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Edgeley Park, giving Portsmouth and Lincoln hope of agreeing a cut-price deal.
The wideman has been an influential figure for the Hatters since joining back in 2024, but could now be set to return to the second tier for the first time since 2022.