ADRIAN Heath is ready to exploit the Bosman ruling again before the start of Burnley's Division Two campaign.

The Clarets manager pounced to capture Marco Gentile from MVV Maastricht - a deal he admits would have cost Burnley a cool half a million before Bosman.

The ruling means that clubs like Burnley can pick up European stars for no fee, providing the player is out of contract and they have the cash clout to offer a lucrative deal.

And Heath has hinted that he could add at least one more continental name to his squad.

Heath, who was linked with a Belgian Under-21, observed: "I will be looking to the continent again before our domestic season starts and if I can bring another player in then I will. It is a situation we can exploit.

"As much I don't think Bosman is good for the overall picture of the game, it could be perfect for us. On the Dutch transfer market Marco's club (MVV) would have demanded a minimum of £400,000 or possibly more. We may not have made an outlay as far as a transfer fee is concerned, but we've had to pay him handsomely. "We've got to be realistic about the situation. Marco hasn't come on the cheap and we've had to push the boat out to get him.

"But we've got a player with a tremendous pedigree who will do a good job for us for the next three years."

Gentile will be put through his paces when the Clarets report for pre-season training in the first week of July.

The defender is expected to arrive in Lancashire later this month to sort out accommodation in the Burnley area and school arrangements for his two children.

"I think what is happening in the transfer market now is only the tip of the iceberg," added Heath. "In five years time it would not surprise me if clubs in the Second and Third Divisions have four of five continental players in their side.

"Clubs are realising that they can go abroad and pick up better quality for half the price. There will be a lot of movement of players in the future."

Gentile is expected to make his Burnley debut when the Clarets kick-off their pre-season tour of Northern Ireland in Belfast against Crusaders on Saturday, July 19.

Burnley will not be pursuing former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Bobby Mimms.

The Preston North End keeper was linked with a move to Turf Moor today.

But Clarets assistant Colin Harvey said: "There is no substance in the story. Bobby Mimms will not be joining us."

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