Daily Echo:

SAINTS academy man Jason McCarthy has signed permanently for Championship side Barnsley in a deal said to be worth around £200,000.

The 21-year-old has spent the past two seasons out on loan from St Mary's, having successful spells at Wycombe Wanderers and Walsall.

The defender leaves Saints after making one senior appearance, which came back in December 2014 in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park.

McCarthy, who was born in Southampton and has been at the academy since 2002, signs a three year deal at Oakwell.

“I am absolutely delighted to be here, it’s a thrill to get it over the line," he said on joining Barnsley.

"This was the perfect next step for me, to sign for a Championship club, especially one like Barnsley.

"As soon as I came and was walking around the place, you get a real feel and you sense the history of the club so it’s a great feeling to sign.

"This was a really easy decision. I went and met the manager and I got a really good impression from him straight away. I felt comfortable and this felt like the right move, I was really impressed as soon as I came through the door."

McCarthy went on loan to Wycombe in the 2015/16 season, making 35 appearances in League Two and winning the Chairboys' Supporters’ Player of the Year.

Last term, he headed out to Walsall in League One and once again scooped the Fans' Player of the Season award.

McCarthy wrote in a statement posted on Twitter: "Thank you Southampton! I've absolutely loved my time here, it's been a pleasure to be a part of it!

"It's given me the best grounding I could have asked for.

"Naturally I feel a big attachment having spent so long at the club, but I'm looking forward to continuing my progress, all be it elsewhere.

"Good luck to everyone and I wish the club the very very best, thank you for your efforts with me."