BURNLEY have had a third bid for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Dale Stephens rejected.

The Clarets returned with an increased offer on the £4million that was rejected by the Seagulls for the 27-year-old two weeks ago.

But Brighton are still holding firm on the Bolton-born midfielder, who hasn’t featured in recent pre-season matches after taking a knock to the knee.

Sean Dyche is targeting midfield reinforcements this summer having seen Joey Barton swap Turf Moor for Ibrox and a move to Scottish giants Rangers.

Dyche has also seen three bids for Derby County midfielder Jeff Hendrick rejected by the Rams.

According to sources on the South Coast the Clarets could face competition for Stephens, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, with another club, believed to be Crystal Palace, keen on the midfielder who scored seven times last season as Brighton narrowly missed out on promotion.