BURNLEY are hoping to herald the start of pre-season by finally securing Chris McCann’s signature.

The popular midfielder has been mulling over a new Turf Moor contract since before the end of last season.

Those terms were later improved after his impressive comeback from injury in April attracted interest from a number of clubs, including Bolton Wanderers, during the summer.

Ongoing negotiations between the Clarets, McCann and his agent have run the course of the close season.

But all parties are nearing a conclusion, and I understand the 23-year-old will put pen to paper before the weekend.

The Dubliner is expected to report back to Turf Moor with the rest of the squad tomorrow, after returning from a trip home to Ireland, with a view to signing his new deal on Friday at the latest.

That will come as a relief to manager Eddie Howe, although the Burnley boss has spoken of his confidence in the youth team product extending his stay at Turf Moor.

“We have been in negotiations with Chris and his agent for a period of time and these things can be drawn-out affairs,” he said.

“I am sure everybody would like nothing more than to see Chris in a Burnley shirt again next season.

“We are desperate for him to stay because he is an important part of our plans going forward, and I am very confident.”

Should all go to plan, McCann could be in line for the captaincy for the forthcoming campaign.