CHRIS Waddle was holding talks today with Sunderland's Lee Howey with a view to making the defender his FIFTH Turf Moor signing.

And the converted striker could be in Burnley's travelling party to Watford on Saturday if the £200,000 deal is completed.

"I didn't think at this stage that I'd be bringing in anybody else before the season kicked off," said Waddle.

"But I got notice of Lee's availability and have obviously moved in very quickly.

"If I can get the deal pushed through today, leaving Lee available for the season opener at Watford on Saturday, I'll be very happy. But it's not done and dusted yet."

Waddle's former England team-mate Terry Butcher brought Howey to Roker Park from Belgian semi-professional club AC Hemptinne five years ago.

He made his league debut in August 1993 in a 5-0 defeat to Derby and has made 39 league appearances in total for Sunderland, scoring eight league goals.

The 28-year-old ex-Ipswich apprentice - and brother of Newcastle United defender Steve - was converted from a striker into a central defender by Peter Reid.

He was out for almost four months last season after suffering an ankle injury against Leeds United in November and had an operation on it over the summer.

Two pre-season outings in Ireland proved his return to match fitness and he played in a reserve match on Tuesday night.

But last week Reid signed young Cambridge centre half Jody Craddock, putting Howey fifth in line for a first team place behind Craddock, Richard Ord, Andy Melville and Sweden's Jan Eriksson. "I played alongside him at Sunderland and was impresssed by him," added Waddle.

"He's a big, strong guy who is very good in the air.

"He can organise and he can be a leader in a vital position at the back for us."

But the Burnley boss refused to rule out the possibility of Howey becoming part of Burnley's attack.

Waddle is known to be in the hunt for a striker and Mixu Paatelainen, who had been linked with Burnley, signed yesterday for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"I've got a position in mind for Lee," said Waddle.

"He can play at the back but he can play equally well up front.

"He came back at the end of last season and played in Andy Melville's position for seven games.

"I've had the same operation on my ankle as he had. Basically, it amounted to flushing out debris from around the ankle.

"So I don't see it being a problem."

A Burnley representative side came from behind to beat Accrington Stanley 3-1 at the Crown Ground last night.

Stanley took the lead from the penalty spot through Danny Mills on eight minutes but six minutes later Ian Duerden levelled.

Andy Cooke gave Burnley the lead on 23 minutes with a glancing near-post header.

On the hour Deurden headed home a Paul Weller cross. Nigerian trialist Ybooe did not figure but former Everton man Neil Moore was given a run out.

The BBC have signed Chris Waddle up for their presentation team for the 1998 World Cup in France.

"It is nice recognition for Burnley," said a club spokesman.

Watford have allocated Burnley fans 7,000 seats at Vicarage Road on Saturday. It will be all pay on the turnstiles for Burnley fans. £12 (Adults), £8 (conc).

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