The 21-year-old, already the Tykes’ captain, is one of the brightest prospects outside the Premier League and is now part of the England Under-21 set-up as well as being placed on stand-by for next summer’s Olympics.
Butterfield’s situation has become the subject of increased speculation because of his failure to agree a new contract at Oakwell, where they have been looking to tie him down to a long-term deal.
Come the summer, if his contract expires, any club wishing to acquire Butterfield would have to compensate Barnsley for the years he has been with their academy and predictions about his future worth, most likely through a tribunal.
Newcastle assistant manager John Carver watched him on Saturday when Barnsley defeated Leeds United 4-1 and Butterfield turned in another positive display in the Championship.