Clarets boss Stan Ternent will press ahead with his squad strengthening following clarification of the transfer system with Bournemouth's Eddie Howe top of his shopping list.

Ternent has been understandably reluctant to commit too many of the club's resources while the future of transfers has been up in the air.

But with a compromise deal well on the way to being finalised in Europe he may now be ready to test the market.

"I don't know how it's going to be decided but I just want to see if we can get any pointers," said Ternent.

Howe has been a long-standing target of the Clarets boss and with Bournemouth strapped for cash they have made it known that the 23-year-old central defender is up for grabs.

Burnley are heading the chase and if they can agree a package for the former England under-21 international, valued at around £750,000, they will look to bring him to Turf Moor along the same route that saw Ian Cox move from Dean Court for £500,000 just over a year ago.

Whether anything can be tied up before the weekend remains to be seen but apart from the absence of Lee Briscoe and Ronnie Jepson, Burnley should be at full-strength for the trip to Grimsby Town with Mitchell Thomas back from suspension.

Kevin Ball, Paul Cook and Glen Little were all expected to report for training today after suffering with a flu-type bug earlier in the week.

And assistant boss Sam Ellis is optimistic they will be given the all-clear to feature at Blundell Park.

He said: "I don't see anything but an improvement in the situation unless there are any new cases and we've had no reports.

"We'll take it lightly with them and see if they're up for it and then take it from there."

Meanwhile, in-form Clarets keeper Nik Michopoulos has won the Nationwide Save of the Month for January for his point-winning effort at Gillingham.

Michopoulos pulled in 33 per cent of the votes through the Sky Sports poll for his last-minute save which secured a 0-0 draw at the Priestfield Stadium.

The former Greek international, who will receive his award next Monday, said: "I would like to thank everyone who has voted for me and it is very pleasing that the fans have taken me to their hearts.

"Playing in England is superb and I am enjoying every minute playing for Burnley FC.

"The fans are very passionate and knowledgeable about the game and it is a great honour to play for such a well respected club."