HEATH

for Premiership star Burnley story for Saturday, May 10, 1997. Exclusive. HEATH

HUNT! BURNLEY are hot on the heels of a Premiership international.

But Clarets chief Adrian Heath is keeping his cards close to his chest over the identity of the potential target.

Heath has several names under scrutiny - but confirmed to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph today that he is close to sealing a major deal for the Premiership player.

"I've had lengthy talks with the player's agent over the past 48 hours and we've put the wheels in motion to try and sign the player," said Heath.

"We are close to sorting something out and, if there are no hitches, it would be a major deal for Burnley.

"I am not going to reveal his position because I don't want to give too much away. But the player is a current international playing in the Premiership.

"It would mean substantial investment on our part because this player would not come cheap.

"I tried to sign him in transfer deadline week but we couldn't take him then. But things have changed now and we are quite hopeful of securing his signature.

"He is a very exciting footballer and I am sure our fans will see it is a very positive move for next season."

Heath began his Turf Moor clear-out last week when he released Liam Robinson, Wayne Russell, Jamie Webster and skipper Steve Thompson.

Mark Winstanley, Ian Helliwell and Chris Vinnicombe are all available for transfer.

Heath added: "Ideally, I want to add at least four new players to the squad before next August. There might even be more than that.

"We need strengthening in midfield, in defence and we also need another striker to support Andy Cooke and Paul Barnes."

John Ward's Bristol City could take another giant step towards the First Division when his side take on Brentford in the Division Two Play-off semi-finals at Ashton Gate tomorrow. TONY DEWHURST reports

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