HUDDERSFIELD Town fear they have fallen behind Burnley in the chase for Dean Whitehead.

The 33-year-old, who can play in midfield or at right back, is out of contract at Middlesbrough this summer and the Clarets are now being strongly linked with a move.

Burnley were yesterday making no comment but Huddersfield believe the Clarets are currently the frontrunners to land Whitehead.

Sean Dyche is looking to bolster his midfield options, with Dean Marney set to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a cruciate knee ligament injury and Swansea City's Leon Britton also linked.

Burnley could need a new right back too if Kieran Trippier departs this summer as expected.

Whitehead has vast experience at Championship and Premier League level with Sunderland, Stoke City and Middlesbrough.

He started at right back for Boro in the Championship play-off final against Norwich City a fortnight ago but is now leaving the north east side at the end of his contract.

Middlesbrough had considered offering Whitehead a new deal but boss Aitor Karanka has said that he cannot offer the regular first-team football that the former Oxford United youngster craves.

Huddersfield quickly made their interest known and had initially looked favourites to sign Whitehead.

But Birmingham City have also been linked and Huddersfield now believe that Burnley have expressed their interest and have moved ahead in the race to sign the player.

The Clarets are reported to have had scouts at Huddersfield on a regular basis last season, leading to speculation that they could move for Nahki Wells or fellow Terriers striker James Vaughan this summer.

Burnley are in the market for a replacement for Danny Ings and Dyche was previously keen on Wells during the Bermuda international's time at Bradford City.

The pacy Wells joined Huddersfield for £1.3m in January 2014 and has since scored 21 goals in 59 appearances - despite not playing alongside a natural target man, something he did more frequently at Bradford.