Davies: Barnes bid 'miles away'

Billy Davies has admitted Derby have received an offer for Giles Barnes - but says it is 'miles away' from their valuation.

Derby reluctant to sell young star

Billy Davies has admitted Derby have received an offer for Giles Barnes - but says it is 'miles away' from their valuation of the player.

West Ham in particular have been heavily linked with a move for the 19-year-old midfielder, but the Rams boss is reluctant to let the starlet leave.

"We have had a bid for Giles Barnes, but it is nowhere near our valuation for the player - in fact, the bid is miles away," he said.

"We have also had enquiries about him from one or two other clubs, but my preference is that Giles Barnes does not leave us because I feel he has unfinished business here at Derby.

"He needs to mature and develop as a player and I feel he is already in the perfect environment to do that.

"However, every player around the world has a price and it is all about valuation, whether the bidding club can meet the valuation at the player's existing club."

Injury

Barnes has yet to feature for Derby this season after breaking his foot in the play-off final against West Brom in May, and Davies feels his absence is hitting the side hard.

"I would be delighted to play him right now because he has that vital ability to turn defence into attack.

"A lot of our tactics at the moment are based around soaking up pressure and then hitting teams on the break and Giles is perfect for that role - in fact, there is no-one else at the club who can do that for us.

"Not having him fit at the moment is a massive loss but he is out for at least another four weeks.

"He has no chance of playing at Liverpool on Saturday and is a long way from fitness at the moment."