Howe waits for Stock at Clarets (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Howe waits for Stock at Clarets

9:58am Thursday 19th July 2012 in News By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter

BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe may have to play another patient waiting game if he is to land midfield target Brian Stock.

The Clarets boss is understood to be keen on a reunion with his former Bournemouth team-mate.

But while Stock’s current club, Doncaster Rovers, are not expected to command a large fee for the 30-year-old, after suffering relegation to League One, Burnley could still be priced out of a move after adding four new faces to their squad this summer.

Joseph Mills is the latest newcomer, having signed a season long loan deal from Reading, and the 22-year-old is likely to be the last new arrival before the friendly fixtures get under way with Saturday’s trip to non-league Altrincham.

Howe insists he is now happy with his defensive reinforcements, which also include former Barnsley and Derby captain Jason Shackell and young right back Luke O’Neill, and is turning attentions for the rest of his recruitment drive to other areas of the pitch.

“Defensively we are strong. We have good cover in all positions and a really nice balance of left footers, right footers, height and athleticism“I am pleased with how we are looking at the back and we are finished in that regard,” said the Burnley boss following the arrival of left back Mills.

Experienced midfielder Stock has been tipped for a move to Turf Moor.

But as with the signing of long-term target Jason Shackell, Howe may have to bide his time as the Clarets tread carefully with their summer budget.

A portion of the money from the £7million sale of Jay Rodriguez was made available to Howe, whose pot could be boosted by a 15 per cent sell-on clause that was negotiated with Wolves during the sale of Steven Fletcher two years ago.

The Scot has been tipped for a move to Sunderland, who were reported to be preparing a £10m bid.

If that was to go through in the coming days, that would provide a timely cash boost for Burnley.

In the meantime, Howe is pleased to have Mills on board for the season.

“He has got a lovely left foot, very good energy and good athleticism,” said the Clarets boss.

“He’s an attacking full back and a real quality signing who will add a lot to our squad and I’m delighted to have brought him in.

“He’s a good age with huge potential and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He has got the experience of Championship games under his belt and being part of a successful team.

“But probably for his own career he needs a run of games and I am keen to work with him and develop his game further.”