Burnley have seen a second offer for central midfielder Dale Stephens knocked back by Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Bolton born 27 year is by all accounts hankering for a return to his native North West. Sean Dyche is keen to add the versatile central midfielder to his selection options and help fill the vacumm left by the recently departed Joey Barton.
Photo source: PA.
Stephens now seems to be holding all of the aces in this latest Clarets' transfer saga. He has just one year remaining on his present contract at The Amex. The Seagulls have offered him a new extended deal.
Reliable sources claim a second improved Burnley offer of £4.5 million has been rejected. It does appear clear that Burnley gaffer Sean Dyche wants to strengthen his squad for the imminent return to the Premier League.
It remains to be seen how badly the Clarets wish to test the Brighton Board of Directors resolve and how badly Stephens wants to test his skills in the top flight?
I suspect a third improved offer might just see Dale Stephens on his way back to the North West and Burnley Football Club. (TEC).