DAMIAN Matthew's proposed £50,000 transfer to Northampton is hanging in the balance with the midfielder still not aware as to which team he might be representing on Boxing Day.

And the futures of two more Turf Moor players, Jamie Hoyland and Nigel Gleghorn, seem no clearer either as both have returned to Turf Moor after loan spells which have been allowed to end.

Burnley secretary John Howarth confirmed today that a deal had been agreed with Northampton for the 27-year-old Matthew but it still has to be finalised by the player.

"There are still a few decisions to be made and, at the moment, it seems to be 50-50," said Matthew, who is not desperate to leave Turf Moor.

"I am training with Burnley, after having had talks yesterday, and, as far as I am concerned, I am still a Burnley player until a move is completed.

"That is no problem to me and I will continue to do my best for the club. I want to do well for them but I am aware that Burnley also have to consider their own situation.

"I am out of contract at the end of the season and this is a chance of them getting a fee for me.

"At the moment it's a case of wait and see what happens but, if it falls through, I will be ready for the game against Chesterfield on Boxing Day."

Matthew was keen to stress his commitment if he remained at Turf Moor but a decision could be imminent.

He has the chance of swapping a relegation battle with Burnley for a tilt at the play-off places with Northampton.

But the player added: "If I was to leave, I would rather it happen with Burnley in a much healthier position than we are at the moment." Carlisle, meanwhile, were interested in extending Hoyland's loan, or taking the player on a free transfer.

But Burnley want a small fee for him and Carlisle are not prepared to pay what would probably be in the region of £25-30,000.

They have since taken defender Ron Wallwork on loan from Manchester United and also have other players recovering from injury.

Shrewsbury have shown interest in Hoyland in the past - he turned down a possible move to Gay Meadow - and they are understood to be monitoring the situation.

Gleghorn has returned from Brentford after his month at Griffin Park with no sign so far of the London club stepping up their efforts to sign him permanently, even though manager Micky Adams was full of praise for the player's efforts just a couple of weeks ago.

The Turf Moor future of both players who have been out on loan looks uncertain to say the least, with neither expected to feature as player-manager Chris Waddle attempts to turn things round.

But, at the moment, a permanent move for either man before the Christmas games looks a non-starter.

As Burnley try to lighten their wage bill, Waddle is continuing his search to bring in players.

But there were no new developments this morning.

Gerry Creaney remains in the frame, having been told he can leave Manchester City on a free transfer.

But the question of money could still affect Waddle's interest in the striker who would have to take a substantial pay cut if he move to Turf Moor.

From a football point of view, the move would seem to make sense for both Creaney, who scored plenty of goals in his Burnley loan spell, and the club.

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