BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe could make Jason Shackell his first summer signing, if Jay Rodriguez’s anticipated club record sale goes ahead without a hitch.

The Clarets are set to receive £7million from highest bidders Southampton should the striker join the newly promoted club.

Rodriguez was in Hampshire yesterday for a medical, straight after flying home from a holiday in Mexico.

Further discussions between the player and the club are now scheduled to take place in the next couple of days, with the 22-year-old expected to sign early next week.

Once a deal is agreed, it would free up some funds for Howe to make his first move in the transfer market.

And the Burnley boss is set to step up his interest in centre half Shackell, who he made attempts to sign from Barnsley last summer.

The Clarets were beaten to the Oakwell captain’s signature by Derby County in the end, and he went on to be an ever present for the Rams.

But, 12 months on, Howe could be about to prise the 28-year-old former Norwich City defender away from Pride Park, for a fee believed to be in the region of £1million.

Derby manager Nigel Clough insisted earlier this summer that he did not have to sell, but would consider his options if it meant it would allow him to strengthen his squad.

The Rams are looking to boost their attacking options ahead of the 2012/13 campaign, and a believed to have enquired about Martin Paterson in part-exchange, but that is not an option that would interest either the player, or Howe.

With Charlie Austin, Danny Ings and a fit-again Paterson already in their attacking ranks, as well as Zavon Hines, Burnley do not need to make a striker a priority, even if youth team product Rodriguez does make his first move.

However, I understand former Bournemouth forward Brett Pitman remains on the Burnley manager’s list of targets.

Meanwhile, the Clarets are looking into the possibility of staging an open day at Turf Moor in the run-up to the new season, after opting against hosting a home friendly.

The idea has been floated as an alternative means to give fans the opportunity to see the players, including any potential new signings, at close quarters, and observe a training session.

Holding the Celebrity Soccer Six tournament last weekend, for the second year running, meant work could not start on the pitch until yesterday.

Last year Burnley’s scheduled home friendly against Stoke City had to be moved to a neutral ground, to avoid damaging the newly reseeded surface.