BURNLEY'S leading scorer Andy Payton will not be heading for promotion rivals Wigan Athletic in a swap deal involving prolific Latics' striker Stuart Barlow.

Stories have been circulating that an exchange was on the cards following Barlow's decision to hand in a transfer request almost a fortnight ago.

But Wigan's former Burnley boss John Benson has insisted he knows nothing about such a deal.

And he claimed he would deserve the sack if Barlow, joint-top scorer in the country with 18 goals going into Wigan's home game against Bournemouth tonight, was allowed to leave the JJB Stadium.

Like Payton, the former Everton and Oldham marksman is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and was looking for a three-year extension to his current deal.

Wigan had offered the 31-year-old just another 12 months but a compromise agreement is likely to be on the cards.

Likewise Payton is still wanted at Turf Moor, where he is the leading scorer with eight goals this term despite going seven games without finding the net.

The striker is philosophical about that fact and confident the goals will start to flow again, while manager Stan Ternent has backed Payton to the hilt.

He stressed last week that Payton would produce the goods. And Ternent was vocal in support of the front man again after he went close to ending his drought in Sunday's 1-0 win over Blackpool. "He's 10 out of 10 with what he's going through at the moment. I want the public to know that, the supporters to know that and I want them to get on his side," said the Clarets boss.

There would be no shortage of takers for Payton should he become available. But Burnley need him to bolster their promotion push and it would be a major surprise if he isn't offered an extension to his contract when it expires next summer.

Meanwhile, Burnley's reserves entertain West Bromwich Albion reserves in the Pontins League Premier Division at Turf Moor tonight (kick-off 7.15) when Lenny Johnrose will step up his comeback bid.

The midfield man returned to the bench at the weekend following a groin strain and is named in the squad for tonight.

Chris Brass, Alan Lee, Graham Branch and Paul Weller will also be in the starting line-up, although Tom Cowan and Paul Smith are not yet ready to return from injury.

Burnley reserves: Mawson, Scott, Devenney, Brass, Williamson, Johnrose, Weller, Kelly, Lee, Shandran, Branch, Kevan, Bowden, Davis, Waine, Paxton.

Boundary Clarets travel details: Reading: Wednesday, November 24, leave Duke Bar 12.30pm. Prices £12 members, £14 non-members, £10 concession; Wigan: Saturday, November 27, leave Duke Bar 11.30am. All prices £5. Wigan money to be handed in by November 26. Bookings to 01282 832100 (day), 01282 705425 (evening).

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