SHREWSBURY stalwart Dean Spink is the latest name to be linked with a possible move to Burnley, writes PETER WHITE.

But Turf Moor boss Adrian Heath today dismissed suggestions that he was about to make a sudden swoop for the burly forward.

Spink, who has been a regular at Gay Meadow for the past seven years, is out of contract and has already been the subject of interest from French club Lille.

He could, of course, move abroad on a free transfer.

Burnley have also been mentioned as possible buyers but Heath said: "I know the lad from his time at Aston Villa but that's all. There's nothing else in it as far as I am concerned."

Shrewsbury's new boss Jake King is anxious to try to keep the player at Gay Meadow and is set to have talks with the 30-year-old forward about a new contract.

Spink's career began with Villa but his only League experience before joining Shrewsbury was during loan spells with Scarborough and Bury.

He has topped 50 goals in well over 200 League appearances for the club.

Meanwhile former Burnley boss Jimmy Mullen is among several names being tipped as candidates for the job of assistant to Shrewsbury's new manager King.

Eddie May and Richie Barker are also said to be in contention, while Neville Southall's name has been mentioned.

Shrewsbury received more than 40 applications for the job following the departure of Fred Davies, with Southall and, possibly, Mullen among them.

After leaving Turf Moor, Mullen took charge of Sligo Rovers.

West Bromwich Albion were set to break their 18-year-old transfer record today by completing the signing of Preston winger Kevin Kilbane for £1.25million.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international will put pen to paper at the Hawthorns following the return of his agent from abroad.

Albion midfielder Julian Darby will move to Preston as part of the deal with Albion also paying the second division club an undisclosed fee that is likely to be in excess of £1million.

Kilbane's capture will make him Albion's first £1million player 18 years after they paid Manchester City £748,000 for Peter Barnes.

Walsall player-coach Kevin Wilson has quickly emerged as the favourite to replace Chris Nicholl as manager at the second division club.

Nicholl announced his resignation having opted not to renew his contract in the wake of the side's failure to reach the play-offs.

Wilson has worked closely with Nicholl since the former Southampton boss took over at Bescot in September 1994 and Nicholl's right-hand man was surprised by his decision to carry out his threat to leave.

The former Northern Ireland and Chelsea forward said: "I had a good relationship with him for the last two-and-a-half years and from my point of view it has come as a big shock."

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