ISRAELI international Arik Benado's close friend Eyal Berkovic has told him that Burnley is a "sound" place to play football.

The Manchester City star's endorsement of the Clarets could help them land the experienced defender who is also believed to be attracting interest from Premier League sides Ipswich, Charlton and Southampton.

But his club, Maccabi Haifa, insist that only Burnley have made an official enquiry. They claim that after Burnley sent an official invitation for Benado to join them on a week's trial, they invited the first division side to send a scout and watch him in action during Monday's top of the table clash with Hapoel Tel Aviv at Kiryat Eliezer.

"We've answered Burnley's request, inviting one of their scouts to turn up and watch Arik against Hapoel Tel Aviv, as we don't want to do anything that may jeopardize our preparations," Haifa general manager Hanan Shpagat told The Jerusalem Post.

But despite reports that Haifa will allow Benado to travel to England next week, possibly to play for the reserves against Tranmere next Wednesday, Shpagat added: "As we are playing Ashdod the following Saturday, we would have to ask coach Avraham Grant if that doesn't interfere with his plans."

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby confirmed: "He is one player that we are interested in and we would like to take a closer look.

"But he is only one of several and, although we do want to strengthen our squad, it has to be within a certain budget.

"We always have players coming in and out so the manager can have a closer look at them."

Already players including Greek defender Giorgios Alexopoulos and German midfielder Thomas Sobotzik have been over on trial but in both cases the club did not follow up their initial interest.

Benado, who has played 57 times for his country and has been an ever present for the past two years, comfortably meets the criteria for being handed a work permit.

His club, who he led to the Israeli championship last season, is believed to want in the region of $1million, about £600,000.

The 27-year-old is known to be keen to follow his friend Berkovic to England where he believes his style of play will be effective. He is known in Israel as a big and strong defender who likes to man mark opponents, snuffing them out of the game.

In the recent World Cup qualifying group he reportedly impressed when he came up against Spain's star striker Raul.

He has spent all but one year at his home town club and he has already had one trial in England where he did well for Harry Redknapp at West Ham. He has also played at Old Trafford when he had 20 minutes on the pitch for the Select XI against Manchester United in Sir Alex Ferguson's testimonial game.

With Steve Davis still out injured, Ian Cox and Arthur Gnohere have performed well in the heart of the defence but Stan Ternent knows he needs more options to cover for injuries and suspensions in the hectic run in to the end of season.

Alexopoulos was not thought to be the answer, it remains to be seen whether Benado is.