EX-MANCHESTER United starlet Lee Roche is in the frame to join the Stan Ternent's new-look Burnley Babes.

Right-sided defender Roche, 22, was released by Reds' boss Alex Ferguson this summer after failing to break through into a star-studded team at Old Trafford.

The former England U21 international yesterday snubbed a move to Second Division Blackpool after informing manager Steve McMahon he wanted to play higher up the league ladder.

And Burnley, along with Norwich and Bradford, HAVE offered Fergie's fledgling the chance to spread his wings in the first division.

Roche made just three first team appearances during his time at United, the last coming in March this year against Deportivo La Coruna in the 2-0 Champions League defeat in Spain.

His one and only Premiership appearance came as a substitute in the Reds' 5-3 Old Trafford victory over Newcastle last season, while he also appeared against Arsenal in the Worthington Cup in November 2001.

However, Bolton-born Roche spent the previous season on loan at Wrexham, where he played alongside Current Claret Mark McGregor in Brian Flynn's back line.

Ternent will now be hoping his close friendship with United manager Ferguson pays dividends as he looks to add Roche to a growing list of players he wants to sign in order to give an ageing squad a youthful revamp.

The Clarets' chief steadfastly refuses to comment on any possible signings until the ink is dry on the paper.

But West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Bywater and Wolves defender Mohamed Camara are already confirmed targets.