BURNLEY could face opposition from Second Division rivals Oldham Athletic in the chase for defender Steve Morgan, writes PETE OLIVER.

Latics boss Andy Ritchie is on the look-out for a left-back following the £500,000 sale of England under-21 player Carl Serrant to Newcastle United.

And Ritchie is believed to have watched Oldham-born Morgan in action for the Clarets at Morecambe on Tuesday night.

The former Blackpool, Coventry and Plymouth player - on trial with Burnley after leaving Wigan - was asked to be taken off by the referee after a couple of second half fouls and Ritchie is thought to want another look at the player before deciding whether to follow up his interest.

He is therefore likely to have him watched when Burnley play Rochdale on Saturday and could look to make a move while Morgan is still to be offered terms by the Clarets.

Meanwhile, Burnley boss Stan Ternent insists he will not bring in new players for the sake of it as the transfer trail to Turf Moor remains quiet.

Burnley play their final pre-season game at Rochdale when Ronnie Jepson could still be the only new face on the books.

With the Clarets' first team squad down to something like 17 senior players Ternent is keen to strengthen his hand.

But so far it's almost exclusively last season's players who have figured in the warm-up.

"I have lost four of five who have gone for one reason or another but when you sign somebody it has got to be right," stressed Ternent. I would still expect there to be new signings before the season starts a week on Saturday.

But unless Ternent makes a breakthrough in the transfer market tomorrow they will be blooded on the training ground with Saturday's trip to Spotland the last pre-season game - in public at least.

"I would say that would probably be it for the start of the season. I try and keep a week free for the squad," added the Burnley boss.

Burnley's build-up has been distinctly low-key following the upsurge in confidence among supporters brought about by Ternent's appointment but any judgements should be reserved until the real business gets underway. "The expectation level is high. People expect promotion but as I have said I am not a magician," said Ternent.

Meanwhile Paul Weller's future appears to be no nearer being settled.

He has stalled on signing a new enhanced contract at Turf Moor following talks with Ternent and is believed to have spoken with a number of other clubs.

However, speculation concerning a possible move to Ipswich Town appears to be unfounded.

And he will start the season on a week-to-week contract but seemingly out of the of the first team picture if nothing is resolved over the next few days.

Burnley's trip to Rochdale will be something of an old boys' reunion with four former Clarets figuring in the Dale squad.

Summer signing Mark Monington has joined ex-Burnley boys Andy Farrell, Graham Lancashire and Robbie Painter.

Rochdale boss Graham Barrow was also interested in Jepson but has now had to turn his sights to Colchester's towering striker Mark Sale.

He does at least have some cash to spend after West Ham piad the first £150,000 installment on the transfer of 17-year-old keeper Steve Bywater.

Burnley are sending a young side to take on Vauxhall Conference newcomers Barrow at Holker Street tonight (7.30).

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