THE Clarets could be on the verge of adding Finnish international striker Shefki Kuqi to their promotion chasing squad.

Stockport County manager Carlton Palmer is thought to be willing to sell the striker who was impressive in the Hatters recent 3-2 defeat at Turf Moor.

Clarets boss Stan Ternent does not comment on transfer speculation and this morning was no different as he continued his preparations for the top of the table clash with Manchester City at Maine Road tomorrow.

But with Stockport all but relegated after a run of seven successive defeats, a bid could bring Kuqi to Burnley.

Last month the striker was linked with a switch to Blackburn Rovers, but County were looking for a fee in excess of £1 million.

It is believed that Burnley have inquired about a £500,000 bid but County remain determined not to let their star striker go on the cheap.

However, negotiations relating to additional payments in terms of appearances, goals and promotion, might yet see a deal struck.

Ternent is fond of treating every match the same but there is little doubt that tomorrow's clash with City is the biggest of the season to date.

The high noon battle between the table-topping Clarets and the second placed promotion favourites promises to be a mouth-watering clash in front of the live television cameras.

No matter what happens at Maine Road, the Clarets will kick off the new year on top of the table but there is no doubt that the result could be pivotal to the fortunes of both clubs.

While Ternent, Sam Ellis and the players have been looking no further ahead than the next game, the fans have been relishing their date with Manchester City for a long time.

Kevin Keegan's men won a thriller at Turf Moor in the opening weeks of the season, beating ten man Burnley 4-2 after Gordon Armstrong was sent off.

That result was supposed to put Burnley firmly in their place and by Christmas all the experts had assumed it would be City showing the rest of the division a clean pair of heels as they aimed to bounce straight back to the Premiership.

But no one has told the Clarets and they go to City tomorrow with a four point lead at the top and on the back of a ten game unbeaten run.

Having had their Boxing Day match at Rotherham United called off because of a frozen pitch, the Clarets have not had the traditionally hectic festive period and so will hope to turn up fresh for the big game.

One player Ternent is definitely without is the midfielder Paul Weller who will be serving a one match suspension.

He collected his fifth booking of the season in the closing minutes of the home victory against Stockport County.

He is also again without the services of club skipper Steve Davis who is continuing his rehabilitation after injuring his knee almost two months ago.

Graham Branch was ruled out of the Millwall game because of a hamstring injury and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to return to the first team squad.

The Clarets are chasing a fourth successive away win against promotion rivals having already triumphed at Coventry City, Crystal Palace and Preston North End in recent weeks.

In the latter two games Ian Moore was asked to fill a lone striking role but he looks certain to start alongside former City striker Gareth Taylor in a 4-4-2 formation. Another ex-Blue, midfielder Tony Grant, is set to play alongside Kevin Ball in the middle of the park with Glen Little and Alan Moore patrolling the wings.

Keegan's big squad has been reduced by one with the imminent departure of left back Danny Granville to Crystal Palace but his hand is strengthened by the return of another former Leeds United player Darren Huckerby who missed the 0-0 draw with West Brom on Wednesday because of suspension.

All too often games are labelled as six-pointers but for once the tag fits. Burnley could lead City by seven points by 2pm tomorrow or the gap could just be one.

Ternent would probably be happy enough if the margin just stayed at four. At least undersoil heating means the game is certain to go ahead!