CHELSEA chief Ruud Gullit has blocked Burnley's attempt to lure quicksilver striker Mark Stein away from Stamford Bridge.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph can reveal tonight that Clarets manager Adrian Heath has made a firm enquiry for the 30-year-old forward.

But Chelsea's multi-million squad - hit by a Premiership injury crisis - require Stein as squad cover.

Heath confirmed: "I've asked Chelsea about the availability of Mark Stein.

"But they've got quite a few injuries and say he is not available at present.

"That is the reason we were rebuffed. They are just not prepared to let anybody out at the moment."

Heath's ambitious attempt to land Stein will again prove to Turf Moor fans the Clarets' chief resolve to bring in an experienced top draw striker to partner leading scorer Kurt Nogan.

Ten days ago Heath was ready to smash the Turf Moor transfer record for Bolton's Dutch striker Fabian De Freitas. Heath could even renew his interest in Stein if Chelsea indicate they would be willing to do business in the near future. Stein, a team-mate of Heath's at the Victoria Ground, was a goal-scoring revelation at Stoke City before a £1,500,000 move to Chelsea in October 1993.

The little striker has netted 21 goals in 50 appearances for the Blues - despite an Achilles injury.

But his future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain with Ruud Gullit bringing in the likes of Italian superstar Gianluca Vialli as Chelsea attempt a challenge for the Premiership crown.

Stein is also reported to be a target of Heath's former club Sheffield United, managed by Howard Kendall, while Lou Macari is also monitoring the situation closely. Meanwhile, Burnley lost their unbeaten Second Division record to Shrewsbury Town last night when the Clarets crashed 3-1 at Turf Moor.

"It was a bitter disappointment to lose like that," said Heath. "We conceded two very sloppy goals which were down to bad defending.

"Overall, though, I was more disappointed with the enthusiasm we showed for the game in the first half.

"We just didn't show enough. We allowed Shrewsbury to take their time and to take the pace out of the game.

"It's the first time this season that we have started like that.

"We have to make sure that we learn from that display and realise that we can't play like that."

Burnley Reserves are in action against Rotherham United at Millmoor tonight.

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