MARTIN Paterson and Chris McCann are NOT in talks with Blackburn Rovers.

McCann is looking for a new club for the first time in his professional after being made available for a free transfer by Burnley this summer, while Paterson is still pondering his future.

The striker has been offered improved terms by the Clarets in their attempts to keep him and extend his five-year spell with the club he helped fire to promotion in his first season.

Both have been heavily rumoured to be in talks with Burnley’s bitter rivals.

Speculation was so strong that Andy Payton posted on Facebook: “In my opinion as a former Burnley FC striker, knowing our history and the loyalty of the supporters and also having been lucky enough to have worn the claret and blue No. 10 shirt, scoring 82 times, the LAST thing on my mind would be even contemplating holding talks with a certain club 10 miles from Turf Moor! Don’t insult our tradition and our fans!”

But the players’ agent, Gary Mellor, confirmed: “Neither Chris McCann or Martin Paterson have spoken to Blackburn Rovers.”

McCann continues to be linked with Premier League new-boys Hull City. The Tigers are thought to be in the driving seat for the midfielder’s signature, although that development has been slow to progress with manager Steve Bruce away on holiday.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are also understood to be in the running, while Wigan Athletic could even enter the race if Owen Coyle is installed as Roberto Martinez’s successor.

While manager of Burnley, the Scot described McCann as the “photo-fit of the modern midfielder”.

As of last night Coyle was among the favourites to fill the vacant managerial position at the DW Stadium.

A number of other Championship clubs are believed to have registered tentative interest, but Blackburn is not on the 25-year-old’s radar.

The same goes for Paterson, who will mull over the new, improved package before deciding whether to stay or go.

It is understood the striker would still be on reduced terms if he was to sign, but the latest offer is a marked improvement on the finances that were originally tabled as Burnley bid to avoid an attacking exodus this summer.

Question marks remain over the futures of Charlie Austin and Danny Ings.