Shackell set for £1m Rams move as Mellor talks falter

Shackell wants to quit Oakwell just 12 months after arriving from Wolves and his likely departure will be the first setback for new manager Keith Hill.

The former Norwich City defender, 27, stood out in the Tykes defence last season but feels a move to Championship rivals Derby can bolster his chances of playing in the Premier League.

The Rams submitted two previous offers for Shackell and the new bid includes add-ons related to winning promotion that could take the overall fee beyond the £1m mark.

Hill wanted Bournemouth defender Jason Pearce as a replacement for Shackell but he is keen on a move to Reading instead.

Striker Liam Dickinson, meanwhile, has been released by the Tykes after failing to impress last season.

Sheffield Wednesday’s bid to sign striker Neil Mellor on a permanent basis from Preston North End may be on the brink of collapse.

The Owls have been unable to agree personal terms with the former Liverpool player despite reaching a verbal agreement on the transfer fee with Preston.

Mellor, 28, scored 20 goals on loan for the Owls last season and has expressed a desire to stay at Hillsborough. His agent is still holding talks with Owls chief executive Paul Aldridge but manager Gary Megson has alternative targets in mind if a compromise figure cannot be reached.

Midfielder David Prutton and defender Rob Jones are the club’s only signings so far this summer, from Swindon Town and Scunthorpe United, respectively.

York City midfielder Jonathan Smith is moving to League Two club Swindon Town in a £30,000 deal.

Smith, 24, joined the Minstermen on a free transfer from Forest Green last summer and soon became a fans’ favourite at Bootham Crescent.

He has agreed a two-year deal with the Wiltshire club, who are now managed by former Sheffield Wednesday striker Paolo Di Canio.

Veteran Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Ian Bennett has undergone a hernia operation in a bid to be pain-free for the start of the next season.

Bennett, 39, extended his contract with the Terriers until summer 2012 last season.

Former Rotherham United defender Guy Branston, 32, has signed a two-year deal at Bradford City after leaving Torquay United