Blackburn Rovers confirm first of three pending transfers

As reported by Lancashire Telegraph earlier this week, the 22-year-old has now made the move to Oakwell. It's understood the Tykes can buy O'Riordan outright for around half a million pounds.

A departure for the young defender had always seemed likely after falling down Tony Mowbray's pecking order. He did not feature in pre-season was Rovers have been open to his exit all summer.

Barnsley were the first club to offer acceptable terms and he will once again ply his trade in the third tier. He will have one year left on his contract should he return to Ewood Park next summer.

"It's a really good opportunity for me to come play at a really big club with a good fan base and just really kick on again and start playing week in, week out," O'Riordan said upon his arrival at Oakwell.

"I'm a centre half who's comfortable on the ball. I'd like to be able to start off the attacks, but then obviously I pride myself on defending and keeping clean sheets because that's the most important part of my game."