BURNLEY are still in talks with Chris McCann to keep the midfielder at Turf Moor.

The 23-year-old, who also progressed through the club’s youth system, impressed on his return from a 15-month injury lay-off towards the end of last season.

After recovering from knee surgery, McCann proved he had lost none of his sharpness by dominating his midfield battles and scoring in his comeback game against Derby County.

He ended the campaign with the captain’s armband and led the team out for their home game with Cardiff City.

That could become a permanent appointment by Howe next season, with Graham Alexander expected to move on in the summer to satisfy his hunger for regular first team football.

But former Burnley boss Owen Coyle could be throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to McCann’s future.

Although the Scot appears to have tried to distance himself from speculation linking him with a reunion, with sources indicating he is not in the market for the popular Dubliner, interest from the Premier League club is believed to be one of the reasons why McCann has not yet put pen to paper on a new Burnley deal, including an improved offer.

Negotiations with both McCann and his representative remain ongoing.