JASON Shackell is thought to be edging closer to a return to Derby County, despite Burnley manager Sean Dyche’s defiance.

The Clarets have dug their heels in over the Rams’ persistence in their attempts at a reunion with their former captain, turning down an initial offer believed to be in the region of £2million.

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Burnley are understood to have since rejected further follow-up bids for the centre half, reaching at least £2.5m.

Reports of a £3m bid being accepted are premature.

But with Shackell believed to have unfinished business in the East Midlands, and Derby’s determination to maintain their pursuit of the 31-year-old, then their resolve is set to be tested over the coming days.

Paul Clement’s County are growing in optimism about securing Shackell’s return, with the head coach this week telling BBC Radio Derby: “It’s ongoing.

“Hopefully it can be brought to a conclusion sooner rather than later.”

But Dyche remains determined not to give up Shackell without a fight, and explained that he will have the final say on the situation.

“We’ve made it clear we’re a strong club now,” he said.

“We stand by our beliefs and it will be me that decides on any decisions that get made about players, along with the board and Frank McParland who has come in. But it comes down to me and, I can assure you, he’s a Burnley player at the moment.”

After Tuesday night’s 1-0 friendly win over Rangers, Dyche added: “I’m not saying it won’t change, but at this moment some of the reports are way, way, way wide of the mark.

“If we’re ready to do business, then we’ll do business.”

Having seen his front line struck by injuries, allied to the loss of Danny Ings to Liverpool, Dyche is keen to strengthen his strike force.

Ashley Barnes is a long-term casualty, while Marvin Sordell and Sam Vokes missed the game at Ibrox and yesterday’s behind closed doors game against St Mirren with knocks, leaving Jutkiewicz as the only recognised senior striker available.

But following back-to-back pre-season goals for Jutkiewicz against Etoile Carouge and Accrington Stanley, Dyche was pleased to see midfielder Scott Arfield contribute to to beating Rangers.

“It was fantastic,” said the Burnley boss of Celtic fan Arfield’s strike.

“It’s the little things that I notice and things like that, Scotty’s desire to run beyond to stretch the pitch, a nice little touch and a great finish.

“We know Scotty’s got a goal in him and he was buzzing to play here so it was great for him as well.

“I’m pleased on so many levels.

“It was another reminder that you have to get your tactical plan right. We didn’t deliver that for 25 minutes then once we sorted that out we started growing into the game.

“The fitness was good, so I was pleased with that and the players got a lot of minutes in, and the winning mentality, however those wins come.

“All the pre-season games apart from Duffo’s game (Michael Duff’s testimonial against Bradford City) are away from home, we know that changes the mentality anyway and you could see that because the (Rangers) players looked comfortable at home.

“Our players have to get that feel where they can work hard and grind results out as well as play well, and there was a good mixture of that. We know that’s needed in the Championship.”