Rams Still In For Shackell

Derby County remain in the hunt for Barnsley defender Jason Shackell despite having had a second bid for the player turned down. Shackell started his career at Norwich City before joining Wolves in September 2008 but he moved on again having failed to earn a regular starting spot and spent the 2009/10 season on loan with Doncaster Rovers. He left Molineux on a permanent basis joining Barnsley last summer and was named captain and player of the year to cap a solid first season. Barnsley director Don Rowing confirmed that the bids had been rebuked telling the Yorkshire Post:

'We've had two offers from Derby County and we've refused both offers. The valuation placed by them is ridiculous really, bearing in mind what we paid for him. We weren't going to do anything anyway until we'd spoken with the new manager and, even then, we're not going to let him go for a song, irrespective of whether he wants to go or otherwise. I understand there are other clubs who may want to join the race for him.'

However Shackell, who joined the Tykes from Wolves last summer, has reportedly indicated a desire to at least talk to The Rams and Nigel Clough in relation to a potential deal. The Tykes` captain has two years left on his contract so Barnsley are under no obligation to let him leave but new manager Keith Hill knows there is no joy in attempting to keep a player against his wishes. Talking to the Yorkshire Post Hill said:

"Ideally, you want to keep your best players but any deals we do will only be done for the benefit of the football club, Jason has shown a willingness to move on so he will be integral to the squad and its rebuilding."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.