Reds boss Keith Hill is closing in on more of his summer transfer targets – after dipping into the lower leagues to land his first two signings. However, it looks increasingly likely that Hill’s new-look Reds team will not include captain Jason Shackell.

Colchester United midfielder David Perkins has linked up again with his old manager – and in doing so became Hill's first capture for the Oakwell Club – and that deal was quickly followed by the arrival of Chesterfield striker Craig Davies.

Both are free transfers.

The pair have signed pre-contract agreements and will officially join the Reds on July 1, on two-year deals.

Hill has been in his new post for just over a week – and has wasted no time in kick-starting his Reds revamp.

He went away this week on a pre-planned holiday – but says he will be still be on the phone working on deals ‘as and when necessary’.

“The signings of David Perkins and Craig Davies are just the start of what we’re trying to do at the club,” he told the Chronicle.

However, it is believed that last season’s Player of the Year Shackell has informed the Oakwell Club he wants to leave.

Derby County have already had two bids for Shackell rejected, while Portsmouth, now under new Russian owners, are planning a £1m raid.

The Chronicle understands that Shackell has spoken to Pompey boss Steve Cotterill.

Said Hill: “Jason’s away on holiday at the moment so I’ll be talking to him when he returns. Of course you want to keep your best players but if they want to move on sometimes it is best for both parties to amicably part.

“He’s a high calibre player, one of the best centre-backs in the Championship and he’s still got two years left on his contract, so if he does leave he won’t be going on the cheap.

“Clubs are beginning to make signings, and if Jason departs then that could have a domino effect on the market.”

Meanwhile, Hill has been linked with a swoop for another Jason, Bournemouth’s 23-years-old centre-back Jason Pearce.