BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has set Mark Robertson a mid-June deadline to decide on his Clarets future.

Ternent wants Robertson to stay and has offered him a new deal after his current contract expires this summer.

He is hoping to see the midfielder report back for pre-season training at the start of July.

But if Robertson doesn't plan to put pen-to-paper, Ternent will want to know in the next couple of weeks and will demand a transfer fee for the Australian under-23 international.

"I am hoping he will come back.

"I have made him an offer and he has got to mid-June to let me know," confirmed the Clarets boss.

Robertson has returned home to Australia for the summer - he gets married next week and also has commitments with his country's pre-Olympic squad - and is mulling over his future.

Having not already accepted the new terms, it looked as though he might have played his last game for the club when he returned from injury to figure in Burnley's 2-2 draw at Northampton Town on the last day of the season.

But it would be rash to rule out a return for the player who might yet consider the longer-term rewards of being part of a successful Burnley set-up worth pursuing. The consistent Robertson, signed by Chris Waddle to launch his career in English football 18 months ago, started 19 games last term and impressed Ternent sufficiently to earn a new deal.

And having offered the 22-year-old fresh terms, Ternent wouldn't let him leave for nothing.

"We would want compensating if he moved. He's under 24 and we would hold his registration and it would go to arbitration," said the Burnley boss.

Robertson will face stiff competition for a place in the Clarets midfield next season if he returns.

However, it remains to be seen whether one of his rivals for a slot will be John Mullin.

Sunderland have confirmed Mullin's release from the Stadium of Light on a free transfer and Ternent has previously indicated his interest in the former Burnley starlet.

There have been no moves on that front yet, though. And an approach for the 23-year-old, who was successfully converted to a midfield player at Sunderland, could depend on whether Robertson and Paul Cook start the new season as Burnley players.

Ternent is still optimistic of signing Cook from Stockport County. And if the experienced schemer turns his recent loan spell into a permanent move then Ternent could already have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.

Cook and Robertson would be joined by Micky Mellon, Lenny Johnrose, Glen Little, Paul Smith, Graham Branch and a fit-again Paul Weller, all vying for midfield berths. Mullin would still be a welcome addition, given his ability to play up front if required, but at this stage of his career he is likely to want to be a near automatic choice and there will be interest from other clubs.

Meanwhile, Dunfermline target Brian Reid, released by Burnley at the end of last season, isn't thought to be joining First Division Portsmouth.

Pompey are being taken over by a millionaire Serbian backer and Alan Ball will be looking elsewhere for reinforcements.

The Clarets attractive pre-season friendly against Sunderland at Turf Moor will kick-off at 12 noon on Sunday, July 25.

Burnley's home game against Everton on Thursday, July 22 will be a 7.45 kick-off.

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