MARK Ford was set to become a Burnley player today.

The 21-year-old midfielder and former England Under 21 captain was due to undergo the usual medical checks and complete a £275,000 transfer from Leeds United.

And Clarets manager Chris Waddle was also hoping to complete negotiations with a defender today.

"I'm speaking to a defender hopefully today and I'm optimistic about that," said Waddle.

But the completion of the Ford deal-Waddle's third signing of the week-left the new Burnley boss justifiably delighted.

"He's a Premier League player and one the fans will enjoy watching," added Waddle.

"A lot of clubs were looking at him so it's a very positive sign that he made the decision to join Burnley.

"He made it very clear that he wanted to play for Burnley. This positive, first-class attitude will hugely benefit the club.

"He has a burning desire to play for this club and to help it do well.

"I'm delighted that we have signed a player of his class to add to the other two major signings we have announced this week.

"It's been a very positive week for the club and, so far, I have strengthened my squad by bringing in three very good players in time for our pre-season trip to Northern Ireland."

Waddle beat off a number of clubs, including Premiership side Barnsley, to secure Ford, who played in Leeds United's FA Youth Cup-winning side in the early 1990s. The appointment of the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Marseilles and England star to the Turf Moor hotseat clearly influenced the player's decision to drop two divisions from the Premiership.

It was also instrumental in the capture of former England goalkeeper Chris Woods and ex-Sheffield Wednesday man Michael Williams earlier this week. The quality gleaned from his earliest raids in the transfer market clearly emphasises Waddle's ambition with the club - and his ability to handle the new business of football management astutely. Both Woods and Williams were captured on frees.

"As I've said, I want players at Burnley Football Club who are not only capable of performing in Division Two, from where we aim to gain promotion," said Waddle.

"I want players who will be able to play in Division One and play well.

"So the players being brought into the club will obviously reflect that.

"And I think this week we have managed to demonstrate that mark of quality already."

Boundary Clarets' AGM will be held at the George IV pub on July 28 at 8pm. For further details contact Paul on 01282 832100 (daytime) or 01282 705425 (evening).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.