Blackpool set to sell Barker

Barker: Set for move

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has confirmed the club are close to agreeing a deal to sell Shaun Barker.

Championship rivals Derby County and Nottingham Forest are both vying to sign the defender, who has a year left on his contract.

Derby have already had two bids rejected, with manager Nigel Clough reluctant to meet Blackpool's £1million asking price.

However, reports suggest the Seasiders are now willing to accept £750,000 for the former Rotherham United stopper.

Holloway admits Barker is likely to be leaving Bloomfield Road shortly, but did not say whether Derby or Forest had won the chase for his signature.

"We are very close to a deal," Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette. "The last thing I want to do is lose him, but everyone has their value.

"What you have to remember is that players know what other people are getting paid at this level.

"Even if we doubled his money, it wouldn't be as much as the two clubs chasing him would offer."