SUNDERLAND yesterday insisted they have no interest in signing Chris Eagles following the collapse of his move to Rangers – but Brian Laws knows there is a long way to go before Burnley can be confident the winger will start the season at Turf Moor.

Eagles turned down a switch to Rangers on Thursday but was immediately linked with Sunderland, with reports suggesting interest from the Black Cats had been a factor in the 24-year-old rejecting a move north of the border.

An approach from a Premier League club could yet prove more tempting for Eagles but Sunderland yesterday made it clear they will not be making a move for the player.

“We have no interest in him,” said assistant manager Eric Black.

Burnley this week accepted a bid of just over £2m from Rangers but the Clarets announced on Thursday night that Eagles had failed to agree personal terms, with Rangers chief executive Martin Bain insisting they had made him a good offer but were not prepared to meet his wage demands.

Eagles, who has only one year left on his contract and had to take a wage cut following relegation under the terms of his current deal, has now been confirmed in Burnley’s squad to travel to Singapore today for their pre-season tour.

But Laws knows it is still far from certain the player will remain at Turf Moor this season.

“We know that his contract is running out and we have to do something about it,” said the Burnley boss.

“There is a market value for a player and I know Chris wants to play at the highest level.

“All those issues are taken into account and we allowed him to talk to Rangers.

“However, he has turned them down, which is great news for us.

“He is on tour with us and let’s see where we take it from there.

“It gives me another opportunity to talk to him and hopefully try to persuade him to stay at Burnley.

“However, everything will be in his hands and we have to abide by how he feels.”

The Clarets have been unable to secure the signing of a new goalkeeper before their departure for Singapore but are confident of completing a season-long loan for Newcastle’s Fraser Forster early next week.

“Unfortunately the club we’re dealing with had a couple of issues which held it back, nothing to do with the player or ourselves,” said Laws.

“It looks like it’s back in place now and hopefully even though we’re away the deal will be done so he’ll be ready for when we get back.

“Hopefully we can confirm that by Monday or Tuesday at the latest.”

Peter Whittingham, who Burnley bid for earlier in the summer, may be prepared to leave Cardiff according to his representatives.

Burnley had a bid turned down for Whittingham and later signed Ross Wallace, but they could be in the market for another wide man if Eagles was to depart.

Cardiff are in negotiations with Whittingham over a new contract and a Key Sports Management spokesman said: “There is an offer on the table from Cardiff and it is being looked at.

“Like any player, Peter is very ambitious. With Cardiff unable to bring any new players in because of the embargo, you do start to question things.

“We also know that being unable to bring in new players, Cardiff are not keen on selling any of the players they currently have.

“Peter enjoyed his best season last year with Cardiff and he has options.”

Tyrone Mears has been included in Burnley’s 24-man squad to travel to Singapore following a hamstring strain but Diego Penny is injured and will not make the trip. Former Clarets keeper Craig Mawson, now the goalkeeping coach at the club’s centre of excellence, will provide the back-up for Brian Jensen.

Burnley touring squad: Brian Jensen, Graham Alexander, Danny Fox, Michael Duff, Kevin McDonald, Chris Iwelumo, Martin Paterson, Tyrone Mears, Steven Thompson, Chris McCann, Wes Fletcher, Andre Bikey, Clarke Carlisle, Ross Wallace, Wade Elliott, Brian Easton, Dean Marney, Leon Cort, Chris Eagles, David Edgar, Jay Rodriguez, Alex-Ray Harvey, Richard Eckersley, Craig Mawson.

* Wes Fletcher was on target as a youthful Burnley side won 3-0 in a friendly at Buxton, with a young trialist scoring twice.