Bristol City have been granted permission by Barnsley to talk to their head coach Lee Johnson.
The Robins have narrowed their search for a new manager this week with Johnson now the preferred choice having also considered former Swansea manager Garry Monk as a contender.
City have been searching for a new manager after parting company with Steve Cotterill with relegation fears marring the Robins' season so far – currently equal on points with Rotherham but in the relegation zone on goal difference.
In mid-November Johnson, 34, had been on the fringe of being sacked by Barnsley with the Tykes languishing in 23rd place in League One, but backing in the emergency loan window saw results improve in December.
A faultless January has made Johnson primed for the League One Manager of the Month award after Barnsley won five out of six games, including a 6-1 spanking of Rochdale.
A trip to Wembley also awaits Barnsley with or without Johnson after securing their place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final on Thursday night, beating Fleetwood 4-2 on penalties.
Discussions between Johnson and the Bristol board are set to get underway and an announcement could be made later on Friday.
A brief Bristol City statement read: “Bristol City FC can confirm it has been granted permission by Barnsley FC to speak to its head coach Lee Johnson. The club will be making no further comment.”
