POTENTIAL Clarets transfer target Stuart McCall looks set to stay at Bradford City.
Burnley were thought to be waiting in the wings, along with First Division rivals Barnsley, to make a move for the former Scottish international midfielder, whose current contract at Valley Parade expires at the end of the month.
McCall had indicated that he was ready to listen to other offers after being unhappy at the original offer on the table from City, where he has spent nine seasons in two different spells.
However, Bantams boss Jim Jefferies was optimistic that McCall would sign up, along with Eoin Jess and Robert Molenaar, to bolster relegated City's First Division crusade before the manager headed off for a break this weekend.
"I'm hopeful we can have good news on all three of them. We'd love to have Stuart here next season," he said.
Burnley could yet make a late move but boss Stan Ternent may be setting his sights elsewhere as transfer activity starts to hot up at Turf Moor.
Goalkeeper Paul Crichton is still in talks with Norwich City regarding his likely move to Carrow Road, while Ternent is hoping to tie up a deal with Gareth Taylor and a couple of his other targets.
Meanwhile, assistant boss Sam Ellis expects all the Clarets squad to report back fully fit for the start of pre-season training after injuries to Graham Branch and Lennie Johnrose at the back end of last season.
And winger Glen Little hopes to be over the hamstring problems that plagued him last term.
Following consultation with a specialist this week, Little is to wear specially adapted boots which should reduce the pressure on the problem area.
He said: "They have found out what is causing the problem I've had and this is a way of combatting it.
"Hopefully they will all be sorted out in time for pre-seson training and I will be able to work on getting myself ready for the new season."
Burnley's scheduled pre-season game at home to Huddersfield Town on Thursday, August 2 has been called off.
Leeds are lining up another massive bid for a mystery player.
However, Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale claims United, who broke the bank to spend £18million on Rio Ferdinand and £12million on Robbie Keane last season, "will not be rushed" into the transfer market this summer.
"The most important thing is that we secure the services of the right players," said Ridsdale.
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