STAN Ternent today blasted more rumours claiming that Glen Little was about to be sold to Sunderland in a shock £1 million transfer deal.

Such was the strength of the rumours doing the rounds that anxious Burnley fans contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to check if their highly-rated star had been put on the market.

But Turf Moor boss Ternent did not mince words when confronted with the suggestion that a deal might have been struck with Sunderland.

He dismissed the story out of hand. "I am tired of repeating that Glen Little is not for sale," said the manager.

"And I can tell you that if he was being sold - which certainly isn't the case - then £1 million would be nowhere near what I would want for him.

"I signed him on a new contract and he is part of my plans, he is not for sale."

Even before Burnley rejected a seven-figure bid by Port Vale for Little last season, Ternent has had to contend with speculation about the player's future.

But he is adamant that he will not consider selling players he regards as an integral part of his plans - unless he is forced to do so by having to generate transfer funds of his own.

And, even then, he stressed he would not be short changed.

The manager believes the talents of a player like Little would, in any case, be worth far more than the £1 million continually being mentioned.

But Burnley fans will welcome those three words repeated by Ternent - "not for sale". Meanwhile, Stockport County boss Gary Megson confirmed today that he wanted a "small fee" for midfield man Paul Cook, one of Ternent's summer transfer targets.

Whether that will prove a stumbling block to the chances of a deal remains to be seen.

Cook enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Turf Moor during the last two months of the season, playing a leading role in helping the club climb out of relegation trouble.

Ternent wants to turn that into a permanent move and believes Cook wants to move to Burnley.

With a year remaining on his Stockport contract, however, it is a question of sorting things out at the other end. There did seem a possibility that the player m ight be allowed to leave Edgeley Park on a free transfer.

But Megson said today: "We want a small fee for him.

"If Burnley want to pay that, okay. If not, he will probably stay here."

Colne Clarets will hand over their player-of-the-year trophy at a social evening at Colne CC on Friday, June 25 (8pm). A disco and supper will be provided and admission is free to current members. For more details contact Tony Bannister (01282-705520).

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