Eddie Howe remains hopeful of adding two new players to his Burnley squad by the end of the transfer window at 11pm tonight.

West Ham winger Junior Stanislas is one of two long-standing targets they are hopeful of securing before tonight’s cut-off point.

And versatile Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton is also still wanted to boost the backline.

However, while the club are hopeful of finalising a deal before the deadline I understand it is looking increasingly likely that they will have to wait for the loan window to open in a week’s time.

Both deals are dependent on the players’ respective clubs, but the Burnley boss said he had avoided the temptation to cast his eye elsewhere.

“I have been tempted but there are two that I really want,” he said.

“You want to try to bring in the best players that you can.”

Read Willie Irvine's column only in today's Lancashire Telegraph newspaper.