BURNLEY'S derby foes Preston North End have emerged as potential rivals for the signature of QPR's in-demand striker Peter Crouch.

Clarets boss Stan Ternent wants the towering front man, who would cost a club record fee of £1.5 million, to add to his goal-scoring options next season.

But as well as Portsmouth, North End now look ready to join the First Division clubs in the hunt for the 20-year-old, who is leaving Loftus Road following Rangers' relegation to Division Two.

Crouch can take his pick but may also have his eyes on the Premiership and with Charlton also reportedly keen on the former Spurs youngster, Ternent faces some hot fierce competition if he's to land his man.

The Clarets boss is evidently keen to have four front-line strikers at his disposal next season, having already tied up a deal with Gareth Taylor whose new Turf Moor contract was set to kick in yesterday following his departure from Manchester City.

Ternent has also again been linked with Toulouse's Eugene Dadi, whose hopes of a move to Turf Moor last season collapsed over over work permit problems, and Greek under-21 international Dimitri Papadopoulos, possibly in company with his fellow countryman Panayotis Syros.

However, Crouch appears to be his number one choice in the striking department with midfield reinforcements also expected as Burnley head back for pre-season training next week.

Skipper Steve Davis is champing at the bit to return, having already put some miles under his belt during the summer break.

He said: "I'm getting a bit fitter having done a few more runs and I'm looking forward to getting back and getting stuck in.

"And now that the fixtures are out it gives you that bit of extra desire to get back and get match-fit and get ready for the kick-off, especially with the first game away at Hillsborough where there will be a big crowd and a game to look forward to."