BURNLEY are understood to have made a tentative enquiry for Derby County striker Rob Hulse.

Reports have suggested the Clarets have already made an official approach for the experienced 30-year-old, along with QPR, but discussions are not believed to be at such an advanced stage yet, with manager Brian Laws unlikely to begin recruiting until at least next month.

Derby are ready to offload the 6ft 1ins front man, who has ended the last two seasons as top scorer.

Former West Brom and Leeds United striker Hulse, who joined Derby for £1.75m from Sheffield United in July 2008 would fit in with the club's ‘buy British’ policy, which their search for new players centred on last year.

But a £1.5million pricetag could deter the Clarets, despite benefiting from £48m worth of parachute payments over the next four years - beginning with £16m per season for the next two - following relegation from the Premier League.

It’s not the first time Laws has shown an interest in Hulse.

He made attempts to arrange a loan move in January before David Nugent's loan extension from Portsmouth was confirmed.

Stoke City also approached Derby about taking the striker on loan during the last transfer window, but both bids were rejected.