Pitman still an option for Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Pitman still an option for Burnley

9:57am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in Sport By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter

BURNLEY look set to rekindle their interest in Bristol City striker Brett Pitman – after the West Country outfit opted to make him available on the loan market.

Clarets boss Eddie Howe has long since been a big admirer of Pitman’s goal scoring prowess and is mulling over a temporary move for the front man next week.

Pitman was expected to leave Ashton Gate on a permanent deal before last Friday’s close of the transfer window but, despite interest from his former club Bournemouth, he remained with the Robins.

Burnley were never going to match the fee in the region of £500,000 for the 24-year-old but, with the emergency loan window opening on Friday, are considering another move for him.

The 24-year-old has been left in no doubt he has no future at Bristol City, with their summer addition of Sam Baldock and Steven Davies leaving him out in the cold.

Pitman was not even in City’s squad for their 1-0 defeat at Barnsley last weekend and sources close to the player have indicated he is keen on starting a new challenge.

Clarets striker Danny Ings underwent knee surgery yesterday as he faces up to at least three months on the sidelines, leaving Burnley with just three senior strikers.

The addition of Pitman, who has scored goals consistently at both Bournemouth and Bristol City, would give Howe another attacking option, with just Sam Vokes, Charlie Austin and Martin Paterson available to him.

Pitman is not Burnley’s only option ahead of the opening of the emergency loan window though, with Howe hoping to add to his squad before the crucial visit of Peterborough in just less than a fortnight.

After a thumping opening day win over north west rivals Bolton, the Turf Moor faithful have grown increasingly concerned by three straight league defeats - with an unconvincing cup win in the middle – as they sit in the Championship bottom three.

Howe knows Pitman well during their time together at the Cherries and could see the striker as viable way of taking the pressure of his current front three.

Burnley had previously shown an interest in signing Stephen Dobbie on loan before the transfer deadline but his permanent move to Brighton scuppered those efforts.