CLARETS duo Martin Paterson and Chris McCann are the subject of loan bids from rival Championship teams.

Relegation threatened Wolves have enquired about signing striker Paterson for the remainder of the campaign, while Blackpool have made a late bid for midfielder McCann.

Both approaches are with a view to a permanent move in the summer, when the pair would be out of contract and available on free transfers.

While it would seem unlikely that Burnley would allow two key first team players to leave at this stage of the campaign – sitting 10 points off sixth and seven points above the drop zone – the club could already be making plans for next season.

Efforts to trim the wage bill going into the final year of Premier League parachute payments, combined with the introduction of Financial Fairplay Regulations, which have been designed to help clubs spend what they earn, could force the club’s hand.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that neither McCann or Paterson have yet been offered new terms to extend their current deals. Consequently, it seems increasingly likely that both would be ready to move on, but it was expected that they would at least see out the campaign at Turf Moor.

However, with the window for emergency movement between Football League clubs closing at 5pm today Wolves and Blackpool are among the clubs who are looking to strengthen for their respective fights for Championship survival and have targeted the Clarets stars.

It is believed that Burnley had not responded to Wolves or Blackpool last night, possibly with a view to assessing if they can make signings of their own before the deadline.

A run of one win in seven has plunged Blackpool to within four points of the drop zone.

Second bottom Wolves boosted their survival chances with a 2-1 win over Bristol City in their last game, moving to within a point of 21st place.

McCann, who captained the Clarets last season, has been a regular under both Eddie Howe and Dyche this season, starting 33 of the 35 league and cup games he has played.

Paterson started regularly after recovering from the slight hamstring tear he suffered after scoring in the opening day win over Bolton Wanderers.

Although the 25-year-old began the last game, partnering Charlie Austin up front in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, he has often found himself on the bench since the turn of the year.

Paterson, who top scored with 19 in his first season at Turf Moor to help fire Burnley to the Premier League was due to report back to the club’s Gawthorpe training base today following his recall to the Northern Ireland squad.

The former Scunthorpe striker started his first international for more than a year on Tuesday, in the 2-0 defeat to Israel at Windsor Park.