BURNLEY look set to go to a tribunal over compensation for young defender Richard Eckersley, after struggling to agree terms with Manchester United.

While the Clarets are close to finalising a package for David Edgar with Newcastle, they have not made similar progress with the champions.

The two summer signings were technically both free agents after coming to the end of their respective contracts in June.

However, as they are under 23, the Bosman Ruling dictates their previous clubs are entitled to compensation.

If a figure cannot be agreed, the matter is resolved at a tribunal, which Burnley were hoping to avoid on both counts.

But while Burnley chief executive Paul Fletcher expects to make a settlement with Newcastle without a hearing for Canadian Under 20 stopper Edgar, the Eckersley situation has proved more complicated.

“There’s a reasonable chance it will go to a tribunal,” said Fletcher.

“We’re not a million miles apart on a fee, but it is a sizeable distance.”

It is reported that United want £2million for Eckersley, whereas Burnley’s valuation is believed to be around £250,000.

“It’s all down to people’s opinions,” continued Fletcher.

“Right the way through, everything we do at the football club we back our manager.

“He sees him as one figure, and Manchester United see him as another, and we’ve valued him as a lot less than they have.

“We just hope that, if it does go to a tribunal, that we get a fair judgement.”

Eckersley made a brave decision to quit Old Trafford in the summer - despite being offered a new deal - to sign a four-year deal with Burnley, where he is still seen as one for the future.

The 20-year-old had to wait until last month’s Carling Cup second round game at Hartlepool to make his Clarets debut.

Although he started in a 2-1 win, the night ended in disaster for the Salford-born starlet as he was sent off for a second bookable offence.