STAN Ternent is facing fierce competition for the signature of Burnley utility man Graham Branch.

Boss Ternent will this week step up talks aimed at keeping out-of-contract Branch at Turf Moor next season.

But First Division rivals Rotherham and former club Tranmere are both now waiting to pounce if the cash-strapped Clarets cannot stretch their budget to meet the defender's demands.

Branch said: "I met with the gaffer last week to discuss a new contract and things went well.

"I've told him Burnley is still my first choice and he is someone I really want to continue working with.

"Before I even start to talk to any other clubs that may be interested, I want to get things sorted here because I love everything about the place.

"But I need to get on with my life and the gaffer has promised to get back to me again after meeting with the chairman."

Ternent has already suffered one defensive hammer blow following Drissa Diallo's switch to Ipswich, who were able to table the Guinean a financial package Burnley could not match.

And losing Branch would be a double disaster given the fact the Clarets only have three other recognised defenders - Arthur Gnohere, Mark McGregor and Dean West - left on the books.

Branch has already been pencilled in for a centre half role next season if Ternent can resolve his left back problem by securing the signature of ex-Wolves ace Mo Camara.

And Branch, who made a handful of starts at the heart of the defence as last season, revealed the one disappointment is that he will not be able to forge a new barrier with Diallo at the heart of Ternent's new-look defence.

He added: "It is a bit disappointing seeing Drissa going because I enjoyed playing in the same team last season and feel we could have been a very good partnership.

"So many players have left the club this summer, it's almost like we are starting over again.

"But sometimes when you have a group of lads together for so long, it can get stale and maybe that's what happened.

"This summer has certainly been a kick up the backside for those of us left and we are all keen to see who the gaffer brings in now."

Reading's interest in Clarets winger Glen Little may have cooled after the Royals launched a bid to sign Bristol City wide man Scott Murray.

The Royals had a £500,000 bid rejected over the weekend following City boss Danny Wilson's admission that right winger Murray is likely to leave the club this summer.

But Alan Pardew's attempted swoop is clear evidence that Little is now one of a number of players he is targeting after missing out on promotion to the Premiership through the First Division play-offs.