SUNDERLAND'S exit from Turf Moor after yesterday's pre-season win over Burnley should end contact between the two clubs for the foreseeable future.

The build-up to the game, which Sunderland won 2-0, was centred on fevered transfer speculation involving four players.

However the reality is that John Mullin's welcome return from Wearside is likely to be the summer's only transfer between the Clarets and the Premiership newcomers who won yesterday with goals from Gavin McCann and England international Kevin Phillips.

Suggestions that Glen Little and Andy Payton are wanted by Peter Reid and that the Sunderland duo of Danny Dichio and Andy Marriott are being courted by Stan Ternent appear to be wide of the mark.

When asked about a reported interest in Little, who impressed as a second half substitute, and a new striker, Sunderland boss Reid said: "I know where my team needs strengthening and I will phone you when it's happened."

However, reporters in Sunderland aren't expecting a call regarding the impending arrival of the Burnley wing man.

Like his friend Reid, Clarets chief Ternent doesn't do his transfer business through the Press and won't be drawn over speculation.

However, Dichio isn't on his wanted list and even if he was keen on former Burnley loan keeper Marriott, Reid isn't looking to offload the player he bought from Wrexham last season as his established number two keeper at the Stadium of Light.

Ternent was happy with the outing against an impressive Sunderland side as the clock ticks down to the big kick-off at Wycombe a week on Saturday. "We are working hard and we've had three good matches now against good opposition.

"It was another good work-out.

"We swapped things round again and the main thing is to get everbody fit and getting a feel for it," said Ternent, whose only fresh injury problem since the return for pre-season is the stomach muscle injury sustained by Chris Brass.

"We are sending him for a second opinion later this week when we will know a bit more," added the Burnley boss, who has unveiled a ready-made replacement if required in the shape of Mitchell Thomas.

The vastly experienced former Spurs and Luton Town defender has rekindled his defensive partnership with Davis from their days together at Kenilworth Road.

And Thomas certainly looked the part against a Sunderland side which scored a goal towards the end of each half, Alan Lee going closest to a reply when he headed against a post.

The Clarets finalise their public preparations this week with two trips to take on Third Division opposition.

Tomorrow night, Ternent takes his first-team squad to Rochdale and on Saturday, Burnley are away to Carlisle United.

Burnley's reserves drew 2-2 against Northern League club Morpeth Town on Saturday.

The Clarets goals came from Alex Kevan and Anthony Shandran.

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