BRIAN Flynn IS available if Burnley want him to replace Adrian Heath as manager at Turf Moor.

But the club are believed to be considering a number of candidates and Midlands sources today claimed that Notts County boss Sam Allardyce could well be among them.

Another name which could also feature following a dramatic turn of events last night is that of Ronnie Whelan, who quit as Southend boss.

It has been suggested that the only thing which would tempt Flynn to quit current club Wrexham would be to take over as manager of Welsh national squad.

And the former Turf Moor star stressed that the question of him going back to Burnley as manager was, at the moment, hypothetical.

But, significantly, he added: "I do have an agreement with my chairman that if I am approached then I would consider it.

"If Burnley do things the proper way - chairman to chairman - and if everything is sorted out as it should be then I would consider the offer after discussions with my chairman."

Allardyce is being mooted as a major challenger and contacts in Nottingham were surprised that he was not at Meadow Lane either yesterday or today.

The Notts County players were due back for pre-season training today and our source said: "It's very strange indeed that Sam is not expected back until tomorrow.

There have been rumours about Burnley but no-one can contact him at the moment."

Former Liverpool star Whelan quit Southend, who have just been relegated, because of a lack of support from the board and fans. But he could well be in touch with Turf Moor.

"I still want to stay in the game as a manager," he said.

"There are still a few vacancies around, and I shall be sending off applications."

Burnley secretary John Howarth has said that the £200,000 deal to sign Mark Patterson from Sheffield Utd fell through on medical grounds.

"It's unfair to say that Adrian Heath's departure has had anything to do with this matter," he said.

Midfielder Patterson, who has also played for Lancashire clubs Blackburn, Preston and Bolton, was due to start pre-season training.

But Howarth added: "When Adrian Heath initially had discussions with Mark Patterson he was unaware that the player had just had an operation on his Achilles tendon.

"When Mark had his examination last week Adrian was informed by the medical officer that he did not feel the player was fit enough and he was unable to pass him medically fit.

"Adrian was informed and stated that he would relay the information to the player, but he obviously didn't so I've done it myself.

"At no time was it a question of money. In fact the chairman had signed blank contracts to enable me to complete the deal. Therefore the deal had been signed, sealed and delivered subject to the medical."

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