ADRIAN Heath is ready to launch an invasion of Europe to bring a league of nations to Turf Moor.

The Clarets player-boss is making plans for trips to Portugal and the Netherlands to run the rule over two players who top his list of transfer targets.

And he could make his move in the next 72 hours if he can tie up the deal.

Heath is keeping the identities of both players a closely guarded secret.

But he revealed: "The player from Portugal is an international and a very exciting prospect.

"I don't want to release his identity because I don't want to put the deal in jeopardy by alerting other clubs.

"He is a very talented footballer. It would be a real coup for Burnley if we could bring him to Turf Moor."

Meanwhile, Heath has finalised his retained list and will announce the names to be released from Turf Moor early next week.

I understand several fringe players will be allowed to leave Turf Moor.

He added: "It would have been nice to resolve the matter before now but that was not possible because we didn't know what division we would be playing in next season. "That would have dictated what sort of finance would be available to us.

"Thankfully we avoided relegation and now we can plan ahead. "

Heath has welcomed the appointment of Glenn Hoddle as the new England coach, describing it as a 'step in the right direction.'

Heath locked horns with Hoddle on the field in the eighties and added: "I think he has superb thoughts on the game.

"His philosophy is the right one. I believe the majority of people who love the game want to see it played the way Glenn teaches the game.

"I would like him to see Glenn bring Rudd Gullit in as his assistant manager.

"He is one of the greatest footballers in the world and has such a lot to offer. I just hope Glenn has the courage of his convictions and goes for it."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.