BURNLEY are in talks to keep out-of-contract Chris McCann from Bolton’s clutches.

The midfielder could be at the centre of a tug of war between the two clubs as former Clarets boss Owen Coyle was understood to have made steps to set up a reunion at the Reebok Stadium this summer.

But Burnley boss Eddie Howe is keen to tie the 23-year-old to what would be his fourth Turf Moor deal since coming through the club’s youth team ranks in the 2005/06 season.

And operational director Brendan Flood yesterday met with McCann’s representative to fight Burnley’s corner.

McCann looked certain to extend his Clarets career when he was offered new terms by ex-manager Brian Laws earlier in the season, despite not kicking a ball after undergoing reconstructive surgery to fix a cruciate knee ligament.

Eddie Howe stood by the terms offered following his appointment in January, even though up until his comeback against Derby in April McCann had played only 100 minutes of senior football in 15 months, after his Premier League season was cut short by injury in September 2009.

Surgery was avoided on that occasion as damaged ligaments began to heal themselves.

But after playing a full game in the FA Cup against Reading the following January, his league comeback - ironically against Bolton - lasted only 10 minutes.

He suffered a further breakdown during last summer’s pre-season tour of Singapore, and it was after returning from the Far East that the decision was taken to go under the knife to repair a persistent problem.

Although there were fears McCann might not play again this season, Burnley stood by the terms they had previously tabled.

But the Dubliner returned to Coyle’s radar when he made a goalscoring return in the Clarets win at Pride Park last month.

It is Bolton who look set to be Burnley’s biggest competitors for his signature this summer.

But the Clarets hope their show of loyalty is rewarded with McCann agreeing to stay.