Burnley issue hands off warning over Austin (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley issue hands off warning over Austin

9:58am Thursday 12th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Flanagan , Sports reporter

BURNLEY have made it clear that they have no intention of selling Charlie Austin this summer after Huddersfield Town were yesterday linked with a move for the striker.

The Terriers are looking to strengthen their squad significantly following promotion to the Championship and have money at their disposal thanks to backing from chairman Dean Hoyle.

But the Clarets yesterday said they were unaware of Huddersfield’s reported interest in Austin.

And Burnley also insisted that, even if the Yorkshire side or another club did make an approach for the 23-year-old, they have no desire to sell the striker.

Austin is expected to play a pivotal role at Turf Moor this season following the £7m sale of fellow forward Jay Rodriguez to Southampton.

That departure allowed Burnley to prepare for a reduction in their parachute payments next season, two years after relegation from the Premier League, but the Clarets’ new joint chairman Mike Garlick has since said that the club are under no financial pressure to sell any more of their stars.

And sources close to Austin recently intimated that the striker was more than happy at Turf Moor after enjoying success with the Clarets last season, scoring 17 goals.

Burnley reluctantly allowed Rodriguez to leave as he moved into the final year of his contract with the club but Austin still has another two years to run on his current deal, which he signed when he joined the Clarets from Swindon in February 2011.

Thoughts are not currently expected to turn to a potential contract extension for the forward until midway through next season at the earliest.

The Clarets were firm in turning down a number of bids from Southampton for Rodriguez last summer, with the highest offer reaching around £5m, and are likely to take a similar stance now should any club approach for Austin.

Despite a competitive Championship budget, it would be a major surprise if Huddersfield had the sort of funds required to even tempt Burnley.

Indeed, Clarets boss Eddie Howe is still hoping to add another forward to his squad before the start of the season to compensate for Rodriguez’s loss.

Howe is eager to bring in a striker that will provide an alternative option to current forwards Austin, Danny Ings and Martin Paterson, with target man Sam Vokes known to be a target.

* The Accrington Clarets are running a coach to Burnley’s pre-season game at Altrincham on Saturday, July 21, kick-off 3pm.

The coach will pick up at Nelson bus station at 10.30am, The Lounge outside Turf Moor at 10.45am and in Accrington at 11am.

To book a seat, at £10 for adults and £8 for under 16s, call The Stanley on 01254 301605.