FORMER Manchester United defender Lee Roche was today unveiled as Burnley's latest summer signing.

The ex-England U21 international, honed at the famed Old Trafford Academy, has agreed to join the Clarets - signing a two-year deal - after snubbing offers from Norwich, Bradford and Blackpool.

Roche, 22, was released this summer by Alex Ferguson after failing to break into a star-studded United team.

And Clarets boss Stan Ternent has used his closely-forged links with Ferguson to persuade the starlet to sign up for a bright future at Turf Moor.

Roche, who can play anywhere across the defence but prefers the right side, made just three first team appearances for United.

However, the calibre of the opposition he faced clearly indicates the belief Ferguson and his United coaching staff had in the youngster they nurtured.

The flame-haired stopper faced Spanish giants Deportivo La Coruna in last season's Champions League, and also featured in United's memorable 5-2 Premiership win over Newcastle.

Roche's only other Reds' appearance came against Arsenal in the Worthington Cup in November 2001.

Ex-Burnley player Mike Phelan - Roche's coach at Old Trafford before stepping up to become first team coach - has already told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph he believes the Clarets are signing a "gem".

And another former Turf Moor great, Martin Dobson - now an Ipswich scout - is also impressed with the player's pedigree.

Dobson said: "I've seen a lot of Lee and he's always steady with a great attitude to the game.

"He has stayed at Old Trafford since he was 13 or 14, so clearly he has something going for him.

"I know he's only had the odd first team outing, but to break through regularly was always going to be hard with players like Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown ahead of you.

"But he's 22 now, not a kid, and he's had two or three years as a pro, so the United staff have seen something to keep him on.

"I just hope he can take it onto the next stage now. Stan has given him the platform and it's up to him to perform."

Despite his lack of Premiership experience, Bolton-born Roche spent the 2000/2001 season on loan at Wrexham, where he played alongside current Claret Mark McGregor in Brian Flynn's back line.

Elsewhere, Ternent's keeper search is also nearing a conclusion and I can reveal the name in the frame is no longer West Ham's Stephen Bywater.

The Clarets chief made enquiries to check the loan availability of the former England U21 keeper, who has played only a sprinkling of games in his career.

But I understand Ternent has now switched his attentions to a more experienced stopper, and hopes to land his man soon.