Barnsley today indicated they were ready to call off the chase for Dean Windass.

The Tykes have NOT made an improved offer despite national press reports saying they were upping their bid from the £100,000 rejected last week.

Instead, it is believed that Andy Ritchie is preparing to look at other potential targets.

Barnsley chairman Gordon Shepherd said this morning: "There have been no discussions about an improved offer. It was mentioned in passing but not in depth.

"And it's my understanding from Julian Rhodes that the player is happy where he is."

Rhodes confirmed that Barnsley had not been back in touch and added: "I don't expect to hear from them."

Meanwhile, City will treat David Wetherall with kid gloves this week to preserve his 100 per cent league record.

The skipper picked up a hip injury during the first half of Saturday's win at Yeovil and although he was able to get through the game, the club are taking no chances.

Wetherall has not missed a league match through injury since March 2004 and is ever-present this season.

Physio Steve Redmond hopes that record will not come under threat for the home clash with Tranmere next weekend.

"David felt a lot better yesterday so fingers crossed he will be all right," said Redmond.

"He'll probably stay in the treatment room all week and then maybe get back in training on Friday. It doesn't appear to be anything to panic about."

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has had a precautionary X-ray on the bruising on the top of his right foot.

The midfielder initially tried to carry on playing but was forced to quit soon afterwards and said: "I went to kick the ball and my foot just went floppy.

"I couldn't tense it but it doesn't feel that bad now so it should be okay."

Redmond added: "Marc is mobile, it's just that if anything touches the area it is really sore. But we've managed to keep the swelling down a lot and hopefully once the pain of impact settles, then he should be all right for the weekend."

Richard Edghill is back in training and pushing for a recall and Andy Cooke was also set to resume today after a nagging foot problem which has kept him out of action since Christmas.