THE mystery Premiership bidders for Paul Smith are poised to increase their offer before transfer deadline day, writes TONY DEWHURST.

The identity of the club is still shrouded in secrecy but they have already tabled a whacking offer of £500,000 for the talented midfielder.

Now Burnley expect them to make another offer for the 21-year-old with the clock ticking towards the transfer embargo a fortnight today.

Manager Adrian Heath said: "I'll be amazed if they don't come back in with another bid because they are very keen.

"They've watched Paul several times and I'm convinced that they want him. He is progressing well as a footballer and getting better all the time.

"Of course we don't want to sell Paul Smith, but sometimes you have to do things you don't particularly want to do because that is the way you can generate cash to fund other deals.

"But if they don't come back, then that's fine. Paul will stay here and remain an important member of our squad." Heath refuses to divulge the identity of the club for fear of scuppering any future deal, but has dismissed speculation that Sunderland are the club chasing Smith.

Meanwhile, Burnley are keeping a close eye on Carlisle United's defender Rory Delap.

The Clarets have watched the Ireland Under-21 international in action on several occasions and Burnley confirmed their interest today.

Burnley chief Adrian Heath said: "Rory Delap is somebody we've looked at and he may be one for the future.

"Although we've not made a bid for the player we know what he can do."

The link with Delap goes back to Clive Middlemass' tenure at Brunton Park when Delap joined the Cumbrians on schoolboy terms.

"Clive knows about him because he was involved in bringing him there as a kid and still rates him."

A strong running, robust player, Delap usually occupies the right wing back role at Carlisle, but has featured in midfield and started the season leading the attack !

Delap made his Carlisle league debut at 16 and has played a leading role in taking Carlisle to brink of promotion back to Division Two.

Capped by Ireland at Under-21 level, Delap spent this week at Lilleshall training with the Republic squad.

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