Rams offer for Barker Rejected

Last updated : 18 May 2009 By The Seasider

The Rams followed up recent speculation of their interest for Shaun Barker by tabling a formal undisclosed bid the defender. However Blackpool have rejected County's offer. The highly rated defender was Blackpool's player of the season last term and has already stated his desire to remain at the club.

With a year still to run on his contract with another year option it would take a significant bid to lure him away from Bloomfield Road and a club which do not need to sell players.

Karl Oyston dismissed earlier claims confirming the club had not heard anything from Derby. "We always want to retain our better players and Shaun definitely fits into that category," said Oyston.

"So unless anything changes drastically between now and August then he will be starting here next season. "We're not touting our players around and never have done.

"We can't foresee whether other clubs will come along and make offers, but football's a funny animal and it's that time of year where clubs and agents are scrabbling round trying to make links."

Now the rams have made a formal offer said to be around £400,000 for the 26 year-old it will be interesting to see whether Oyston can hang onto the defender.