Lincoln City suffer setback after £2m bid for striker is rejected

Lincoln City face a battle to sign Burton Albion forward Tyrese Shade

Lincoln City have reportedly seen multiple approaches for Burton Albion attacker Tyrese Shade rejected as they attempt to strengthen their attacking options.

According to Pete O’Rourke, the Imps have already made more than one attempt to convince Burton to sell the 26-year-old, but the League One club have remained firm. Another unnamed side has also reportedly submitted a substantial offer for Shade, only for Burton to turn that proposal down as well.

Shade is predominantly a winger but is capable of operating centrally, giving him useful versatility across the forward line. He enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Burton after arriving from Eastleigh last summer, scoring nine goals in 38 League One appearances. His overall record was even stronger, with 14 goals in 44 matches across all competitions.

Shade’s journey through the EFL

Born in Birmingham, Shade began his senior career with Solihull Moors before earning a move to Leicester City in 2017.

Although he never made a league appearance for Leicester’s first team, he gained valuable EFL experience during a loan spell with Walsall. He featured 39 times in League Two during the 2021/22 season.

The attacker later spent two campaigns with Swindon Town, including a temporary return to Solihull Moors during the second season.

His career gathered real momentum after moving to Eastleigh in 2024. Shade scored 14 goals in 43 National League appearances and earned a transfer to Burton the following summer, with Eastleigh reportedly receiving a club-record fee.

Why Lincoln are interested

Shade has previously been identified as a player who could potentially make the step up to a higher level.

His combination of pace, strength and mobility makes him an attractive option for Lincoln, while his ability to play in several attacking roles would give the Imps greater flexibility.

At 26, Shade is also at an age where he can still improve while offering the experience of several seasons in the English professional game.

His performances for Burton appear to have strengthened that reputation, particularly after an encouraging first season in League One.

Burton are making their position clear

The biggest obstacle for Lincoln is Burton’s apparent determination to retain their attacker.

Reports suggest offers worth around £2 million have already been rejected, while the presence of another interested club indicates that competition for Shade’s signature could be developing.

Lincoln may therefore have to decide whether to return with an improved proposal or turn their attention elsewhere.

From an Imps perspective, Shade would bring another physical and versatile attacking option, but Burton’s refusal to entertain substantial bids suggests they have little desire to sell.

For now, it remains unclear whether Lincoln will make another attempt. Given the current transfer market, a fee around £2 million could already represent the upper end of what Shade is worth, but Burton’s repeated rejection of offers indicates they are under no pressure to accept.