Falkirk boss on Barney Stewart links after Oxford United bid

It was revealed by Football Insider last week that Oxford United had had a bid rejected for the Falkirk striker, with West Bromwich Albion and Lincoln City also seeing offers turned down.

Stewart bagged 10 goals in 21 appearance since returning to the Bairns in January having spent the first half of the season on loan in the Scottish Championship with Dunfermline Athletic.

The 22-year-old won the SFWA Young Player of the Year Award and addressed rumours linking him with a move away from Falkirk.

“It is insane,” the former Queens Park Rangers trainee declared.

“If it was to happen it would be a massive step and a quick rise if it does happen and one I would have to take in my stride, but speculation is speculation.”

Falkirk’s Barney Stewart arrives at the ground ahead of the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Stewart began his career in the Scottish lower league with Heriot-Watt University before securing a move to the Bairns in 2024.

He has garnered a lot of interest already this year after taking to the Scottish Premiership with ease at a young age.

Speaking to the Falkirk Herald, Falkirk boss McGlynn said the club is open to the departure of his striker talent.

“If the price is right,” he replied when asked if Stewart would depart this summer.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn speaks with BBC Sport Scotland (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

“We’ve had fair offers from two or three clubs for Barney. It’s very early yet so we don’t feel any rush because other offers might come in.

“If we were to get a certain amount of money for Barney, it would go on a grass park and we need training facilities which is where some of that money will go to.

“I’d still expect more offers. Whether it’s enough for the board to accept, I’m not sure.”

The Baggies’ bid for Stewart was reportedly a seven-figure offer.

Matt Bloomfield during his first training session for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

After Oxford’s relegation to League One, it will be interesting to see whether they can compete with the club in the higher tier for signings this summer, especially ones garnering a higher fee.

The Scotland Under-21 international is also said to have drawn interest from Scottish giants and SPL champions Celtic.

Lincoln’s bid for the striker was also said to have been seven figures.

The U’s are also reportedly in the hunt for Stewart’s Falkirk teammate Liam Henderson.

The 29-year-old centre back has apparently impressed both Oxford and Plymouth Argyle with his performances for the sixth-placed Bairns this season.