BURNLEY are set to stave off interest in youth prospect Cameron Howieson by offering the 17-year-old a professional contract.

The New Zealander is understood to have been watched by Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Newcastle United.

But the Clarets are believed to have already set the wheels in motion to secure the first-year scholar on a full-time deal.

After helping the Clarets reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals for the first time in 33 years, a number of second-year scholars are also set to be rewarded with pro deals.

Eighteen-year-old midfielder Steven Hewitt had his immediate future secured when he signed a two-and-a-half year deal in October.

Defender Tom Anderson and striker Shay McCartan are among the players who are expected to be offered terms.

FROM BACK PAGE “We’ve started negotiations with several players. That’s been in the pipeline now for a long time so hopefully we’ll have some news on that in the coming days,” said Burnley manager Eddie Howe.

“With good young players in a team that has got to the stage it has in the youth cup you’re very wary of predators and people watching your best players.

“We don’t want to lose anybody.

“I’m sure they’re committed to Burnley and they know that there’s a way through now with the size of the squad we have.

“Hopefully they’ll see they’re not far away from playing regular football in the Championship.”

He added: “Part of the plan will always be to try to produce our own players.

“There are certainly a few good enough in there. You can’t blood too many at once but I’d like to think between now and the end of the season we would give a couple an opportunity and they will be in and around the squad.

“Certainly there will be a lot who are training with us full-time now so that can only benefit their games, and that’s part of the reason for allowing players out on loan.

“Increasing training numbers with the youth team will just improve their game no end.

“Hopefully it’s all positive on that front.”

Meanwhile, Burnley are set to have a second look at former Chelsea midfielder Jacob Mellis.

The 21-year-old impressed in a reserve game for the Clarets against Morecambe last week.

He has since become a free agent after being sacked by Chelsea after admitting to setting a smoke grenade off at the club’s training ground earlier this month.

“We’re looking to try to get Jacob back for another week next week,” said Howe.