Barnsley have pulled off a coup by signing Austrian defender Manuel Maranda ahead of competition from the Bundesliga.

The 21-year old centre back had offers from Freiburg and Dinamo Dresden but is joining Championship side Barnsley for £600,000 from Austrian side FC Wacker.

Maranda, an Austria U21 international, has agreed a four year contract after being convinced by manager Daniel Stendel to join.

Barnsley have pulled off a coup by signing Austrian defender Manuel Maranda (left)
Conversations with Stendel are understood to have convinced the player that the move can prove a stepping stone for him to get into the Premier League.

Barnsley are backed by new investment and are looking at a number of potential young additions to bolster their promotion chances.

A solid season this year saw Barnsley storm to promotion, finishing second in League One with a final points haul of 91 - just three adrift of champions Luton