BURNLEY are bracing themselves to fight off interest from Southampton in star striker Danny Ings, but reports of a formal enquiry are premature at this stage.

It is no secret that Saints have tracked the Clarets’ 26-goal top scorer, who is on their shortlist of attacking targets, however they have not yet made their interest concrete.

But being in receipt of more than £50million for the combined sale of Luke Shaw to Manchester United and Adam Lallana to Liverpool – a deal that is set to go through on Monday – they will be making plans to spend that money as they seek to rebuild their squad, with Rickie Lambert’s transfer to Anfield finalised before the World Cup.

It is unlikely, though, that anything will happen before new manager Ronald Koeman starts officially on Monday.

He has been linked with Feyenoord forward Graziano Pelle, which could affect any potential move for Ings, although Southampton are in the market for more than one striker this summer.

Meanwhile, the Clarets have not given up on landing midfield target Craig Bryson, despite the Scot reporting for pre-season training with Derby.

The Clarets have had an undisclosed offer rejected by the Rams, who are now trying to encourage the 27-year-old to stay.

Bryson is already contracted until the summer of 2016 but Derby are ready to make a bigger commitment to the 27-year-old.

A statement from the Rams read: “The offer was immediately rejected and the club remains in discussions with Bryson with regards to extending his existing contract.”

But Burnley will not be discouraged from pursuing their interest in the goalscoring midfielder, after already holding talks.

The Clarets were able to speak with Scotland international after triggering a clause in his contract, which permitted an offer of £750,000 or above the opportunity for the bidding club to enter into discussions.

Since then Bryson has reported back to Derby County for pre-season training.

The former Kilmarnock middle man underwent fitness testing with the rest of the Rams squad when they checked in at Moor Farm on Thursday.