MARTIN Paterson is today set to decide whether his future lies at Turf Moor or elsewhere.

The 26-year-old has spent the close-season so far mulling over a new deal tabled by Burnley, but the offer is understood to have fallen below the striker’s expectations.

The Clarets have made no secret of their need to trim the wage bill for the forthcoming season, as they go into the final year of their Premier League parachute payments and fall in line with new Financial Fair Play rules, which have been imposed to discourage over-spending.

While there is recognition of the club’s need to reduce their outgoings, Paterson’s initial offer is understood to involve a significant pay cut.

In light of Bournemouth’s rejected bid to sign Danny Ings, it is possible that may encourage the Clarets towards improved terms for the Northern Ireland international, who helped fire Burnley to promotion in his first season with the club in 2008/09.

Burnley opened talks with the striker following the final game of the season, after he contributed to back-to-back wins with goals against Wolves and Ipswich.

Those negotiations are set to reach a conclusion today, with no firm indication last night as to which way he was leaning.

In an ideal world Paterson would continue his career at Turf Moor and has understood to have offered the club first refusal on his future.

But there are other Championship clubs who would be keen to speak with the former Stoke and Scunthorpe United striker.

Meanwhile, Chris McCann could be on the verge of joining Hull City, following his release as a free agent from Turf Moor after nine years.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are also in the running for the midfielder’s signature, but newly promoted Hull appear to be leading the chase.

Should a deal with the Tigers be agreed it would offer McCann a return to the Premier League four years after having Burnley’s top flight season disrupted by two serious knee injuries, limiting him to only seven league appearances.