Burnley FC look set to miss out on Shackell

The Rams, who hads previously seen two bids knocked back for the 27-year-old centre back, in the region of £700,000, are close to succeeding with an improved £1m offer.

Portsmouth and Hull were also believed to be keen on the 6ft 4in stopper, but Pride Park looks his likely destination.

Clarets boss Eddie Howe was actively pursuing Shackell, who took the captain’s armband at Oakwell from former Burnley defender Stephen Foster.

But it looks likely that he will have to turn elsewhere to bolster his defensive options.

The former Norwich and Wolves defender was Barnsley’s player of the year in his first season.

Meanwhile, Derby have also swooped to land striker Nathan Tyson from fierce rivals Nottingham Forest on a Bosman free transfer.

The Clarets were also linked with Tyson last week, although Howe had no concrete interest in the player.

Tyson has agreed a three-year deal at Pride Park, and said: “This is a very impressive football club and I couldn’t be more excited about joining.

“It’s the most important move of my career and I feel this is the opportunity I need to show people what I’m all about and what I can do.

“I had plenty of options, including staying where I was, but Derby County are a club with big ambitions and I want to be part of it.

“I’m ambitious myself and want to play at the highest level – I think we can achieve that here.”

Tyson only scored four goals in the last two seasons - including one against Derby in August 2009 at the City Ground, when he celebrated by waving a Forest corner flag in front of the away supporters at the final whistle, earning a charge of improper conduct from the FA, a £5,000 fine and a suspended two-match ban.

Tyson is Nigel Clough’s fifth signing of the summer so far, following Frank Fielding, Jamie Ward, Theo Robinson and Craig Bryson.