CLARETS leading scorer Andy Payton is not on his way out of Turf Moor.

Stories linking Payton with a move to Wigan Athletic were the talk of the town at the start of the week.

And the 33-year-old striker was also mentioned as a target for Notts County.

But there is no foundation in either version with Burnley chairman Barry Kilby blasting the transfer speculation and insisting that Payton isn't for sale.

Kilby said: "It's news to me, and I am the chairman. There is no truth in that report.

"A lie gets out and it's halfway around the world before the truth is reported. There is no truth in him leaving Turf Moor and I can state that he remains a Burnley player.

"I am baffled how stories like this gets out.

"Payton is one League appearance short of 400 full career league starts and I am sure that all Burnley supporters would like to see him eclipse the 400 mark in a claret and blue shirt."

Payton has spent the last two games on the bench after a quiet spell in front of goal but remains the club's most proven goalscorer and could be back in the starting line-up to face former club Barnsley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Boss Stan Ternent is looking to sign a new striker not offload one and Payton himself is determined to write himself into club history.

The former Middlesbrough and Celtic front man has scored 74 goals in just three years with Burnley and has his sights on joining a select band to pass 100.

And having signed a new three-year contract last year he stated at the weekend: "If the next two-and-a-half years are as good as the last three I'll be well happy."

Ternent's search for a new striker will be stepped up tonight when he watches trialist Eugene Dadi in action for the reserves against Bolton at Turf Moor (kick-off 7.15).

Bolton will include former Sunderland winger Nicky Summerbee as he looks for full match fitness following his recent move from the Stadium of Light.