BRIAN Reid remains on Dunfermline's wanted list as they plot an instant return to top-flight Scottish football.

But manager Dick Campbell fears that their relegation from the Premier League last month will cost the Pars the chance to sign the former Burnley defender.

Reid has attracted the attention of a number of clubs since his release from Turf Moor at the end of the season.

And Dunfermline, who were linked with the Scot while he was still on the Clarets books in the spring, are among those keen on signing the central defender.

Campbell confirmed that Reid is a player he would like to sign to bolster the Pars' prospects of bouncing straight back into the Premier League.

But the Dunfermline boss confesses that their relegation may count against them in the race to sign the former Rangers and Greenock Morton defender, who remains highly thought of north of the border.

Campbell said: "Brian Reid was one of a number of players we looked at during the season who we knew were becoming available.

"But I would have thought it unlikely that he will end up at East End Park."

Reid indicated following his departure from Burnley that he would be looking to find another English club or a Scottish Premier League outfit. However a move back north of the border to a club likely to be challenging at the top of next season's Scottish First Division may yet appeal if there are no better offers forthcoming over the next few weeks.

Free agents like Reid and those offered new deals but able to move on under the Bosman ruling are likely to hedge their bets for a while yet.

And clubs looking to sign out-of-contract players in the close season may also stall until the end of June, when current contracts expire, to avoid bumping up the wage bill over the summer.

But enquiries will be on-going and Burnley boss Stan Ternent is among those sounding out his targets and seeing how far his budget will stretch.

However, despite the likely influx of new faces, Ternent will not overlook his young players.

Phil Eastwood, Colin Carr-Lawton, Kevin Henderson, Carl Smith and Paul Graham have been released to allow them to find first-team football elsewhere.

But the likes of Matty Heywood, Chris Scott, Brad Maylett, Craig Mawson, Michael Devenney and John Williamson will be furthering their education at Turf Moor after making significant strides last season.

"The younger players have had another year. Most of them have dipped their toes and know the standard required.

"In another year I would hope and expect they will be pushing for first-team places as well," confirmed Ternent.

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