zCHRIS WADDLE is closing his net on a fifth new Turf Moor signing, writes TONY DEWHURST.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph can reveal tonight that Waddle is hot on the heels of a new striker.

And Sheffield United's Andy Walker could be one of Waddle's targets.

The ex-Celtic and Bolton striker could be surplus to requirements at Bramall Lane with the Blades expected to complete the re-signing of Brian Deane.

The Burnley player-boss concedes he needs extra firepower to supplement Paul Barnes and Andy Cooke - and his priority is even more urgent with Cooke suspended for Burnley's first three games. The number nine will miss the Second Division curtain-raiser at Watford a fortnight today, the Coca Cola Cup tie at Lincoln and the Turf Moor clash against Gillingham.

Waddle explained: "We're short of a third recognised striker at the club and that's the area I am pursuing vigorously.

"It's a body blow losing Andy Cooke before the kick off, but these things happen.

"I've learned a lot from the tour of Northern Ireland and I'll be sitting down tomorrow to assess the overall strengths and weaknesses of the squad. Then I will know what I need and I'll have a chat with the chairman about what funds I have to play with." Waddle is not ruling out utilising the loan system once the season gets underway and there could even be Turf Moor departures.

Waddle added: "I think I'll be taking advantage of the loan market once the season gets under way.

"It is only natural that I am on the lookout to strengthen the squad.

"We've brought quality in but I will not move until the right players become available. I'm not going to bring anybody to this club as a stop-gap measure. I want to avoid that at all costs.

"I want footballers to come in and do a specific job for Burnley.

"I need players to be good assets to this football club - on and off the pitch.

"We also want those players to be able to play at a higher level of football because we are planning for the future as well.

"There is nothing imminent today, but there could be movement before the start of the season.

"I am quite happy with what I've got in the squad, but if a player becomes available who is going to strengthen my hand, then I will go for him."

Burnley were due to wind up their pre-season tour of Northern Ireland against Glentoran at the Oval Stadium in Belfast this afternoon.

Peter Swan's imminent transfer to First Division Bury is expected to be completed early next week when Shakers' chairman Terry Robinson returns from holday.

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