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

Albion have turned down £4million for the 27-year-old, according to sources on the south coast.

The Clarets are targeting midfield reinforcements this summer following the departure of Joey Barton to Rangers, and have also had a bid of around £3.5million for Derby County's Jeff Hendrick rejected by the Rams.

Stephens has just one year remaining on his deal at the Amex Stadium and has also been linked with a switch to Hull City.

The Bolton-born man struck up a good partnership with Beram Keyal in the centre of the pitch for Albion last season and he scored seven goals, including one against Burnley in April, as Chris Hughton's side fell just short of promotion to the Premier League.