PAUL Cook will remain near the top of Stan Ternent's summer shopping list - despite a change of management at Stockport County.

Cook finished last season at Turf Moor on loan from First Division County and was a major factor behind Burnley's escape from relegation trouble.

Clarets boss Ternent has since made overtures to keep the former Wolves and Coventry midfielder on a permanent basis.

And it appears those negotations are unlikely to be affected by Gary Megson's dismissal as County boss.

Megson's replacement is expected to be former Stockport winger Andy Kilner, who has been promoted from his role as the centre of excellence officer at Edgeley Park to the role of caretaker manager, ahead of the likes of former Burnley player Mike Phelan.

And the feeling in Stockport is that an internal appointment will still result in a parting of the ways with record signing Cook, who joined County from Tranmere Rovers for £250,000 in October 1997.

Stockport have already targetted four players from the Swedish Premier Division as potential summer signings with at least one thought to be a central midfield player in the Cook mould.

Ternent will doubtless speak to Kilner as he steps up his recruitment drive this week. But it appears that matters are resolved at the Stockport end and whether Cook makes a welcome permanent move to Burnley will depend on agreeing terms with the 32-year-old schemer.

Boundary Clarets hold their AGM at the Rose and Thistle in Burnley tonight, start 8pm, when Jimmy McIlroy, Paul Weller and Andrew Watson will be the guests. New and old members welcome.

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