FIRST Division Sunderland today blocked Burnley's bid to bring striker John Mullin back to Turf Moor, writes TONY DEWHURST.

Clarets player-manager Chris Waddle made his approach for the 21-year-old this week but Sunderland boss Peter Reid confirmed: "We've turned it down.

"I had an enquiry from Chris who wanted to take John Mullin back to Burnley.

"But I am loath to let the lad go at this stage. The new season is nearly upon us and I don't want to leave myself short up front, so I've turned Burnley's approach down."

It is unclear whether Reid's decision would block the chance of Mullin returning to Turf Moor on loan, which still may be an option for Waddle to pursue.

Mullin joined Sunderland for a bargain-basement £40,000 fee in August 1995.

With the new Second Division campaign only a week away, Waddle is searching for extra firepower with striker Andy Cooke suspended for the first three Burnley games.

So Waddle could now turn his attentions to Bolton Wanderers' international striker Mixu Paatelainen, who was again linked with a move to Burnley today.

Sources in Bolton claim that the Clarets have made a tentative enquiry for the Finnish star.

But Burnley would face fierce competition from Plymouth, Millwall and Scottish Premier League side Hibernian if they decide to pursue the out-of-contract player. The link with Paatelainen is not a fresh one. Ex- Clarets manager Adrian Heath was on the verge of signing the 30-year-old just days before quitting Turf Moor for Everton.

Waddle, understandably, was delighted with last night's slick 1-0 win over Copa Brasil champions Gremio at Turf Moor.

A first half Cooke goal ensured the Clarets a well-deserved victory as Burnley turned in a five-star show.

Waddle observed: "I was impressed with every player against Gremio.

"In fact, all the players who featured against Gremio were a credit to Burnley Football Club.

"They've shown me what they can do and what they are capable of. That's the standard the players have set and it is up to them to continue that.

"We are a terrific side when we've got the ball. We also need to be a good side when we've not got possession.

"Against Gremio we won the ball back as quickly as possible and did it very well."

Waddle's anticipated home debut was delayed due to a throat infection, but the player-manager could feature tomorrow when the Clarets lock horns with First Division Manchester City at Turf Moor.

There were senior Burnley debuts for youngsters Phil Eastwood and Ian Duerden against Gremio, while new reserve team coach Gordon Cowans also got a taste of the action as a late second half substitute.

Meanwhile, Chris Brass will learn today whether he will miss Burnley's Second Division opener at Watford.

Brass is anxiously waiting for the green light to resume full training following appendix surgery last month.

And if the surgeon gives the defender the all-clear today, he could still force his way back into Chris Waddle's plans for the big kick-off at Vicarage Road a week tomorrow.

While Brass has virtually no chance of inclusion in Waddle's squad for tomorrow's friendly against Manchester City, he could feature for part of a reserve team fixture next week, possibly at Accrington Stanley on Wednesday.

Assistant manager Glenn Roeder said: "Chris is recovering really well and is getting his strength back.

"The surgeon's report will determine when he will be able to start training again. We will have to be guided by the doctor."

Waddle and Roeder already know they are without Gerry Harrison for the start of the campaign and it appears Marco Gentile is already a major doubt too.

The Dutch defender is troubled by a stomach strain and has been ordered to take a complete rest. Burnley fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing City at Turf Moor tomorrow (3pm).

Maine Road boss Frank Clark has promised to send his first team squad and is expected to include Georgian master Georgiou Kinkladze and new £3 million record signing Lee Bradbury from Portsmouth.

Clark confirmed: "Lee will play some part in the game at Turf Moor."

Roeder added: "It is a tremendous fixture and I'm sure all our fans will be looking forward to seeing how we fare against Manchester.

"It is also our final warm-up game before the start of the new season and it will prove a vital fixture as we prepare for the rigours of the next few months."

Peter Swan's protracted transfer to First Division Bury is expected to be confirmed in the next 48 hours. Swan was not included in the Burnley squad against Gremio and is expected to meet Bury manager Stan Ternent to complete the deal over the weekend.

Fans are advised to buy tickets in advance for tomorrow's friendly which could attract a 10,000-pus gate. £12 (£6 conc) for the North Stand Upper Tier; £10 and £5 for the North Stand Lower Tier and the Bob Lord Stand; £8 and £4 for the East Stand upper tier and £7 (no concessions) for the lower tier. Kick-off is 3.00 pm.

Tickets can be bought in advance until 1.00 pm tomorrow and the ticket office will remain open until 7.00 pm tonight. Tickets will be put on sale at the turnstiles for all areas after 1.00 pm. (Adults only) The Endsleigh Stand is reserved for Manchester City fans.

Adults and children who wish to sit together must buy tickets in advance and these will be on sale at the ticket office up until kick-off time. Burnley are strongly advising fans to buy tickets in advance.

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