BURNLEY could face a transfer tug-of-war with red rose rivals Preston North End for Colin Murdock's signature, writes TONY DEWHURST.

The Manchester United defender made a surprise appearance for Preston reserves last week and could feature for the Deepdale club in their final second string fixture against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow.

And that raises speculation still further that Preston manager Gary Peters could be ready to make a serious bid for the Northern Ireland Under-21 international.

Burnley had agreed a £100,000 deal with Old Trafford for the 6ft 3ins stopper - but the signing collapsed in transfer deadline week.

Heath, though, is still not ruling out fresh contact with the Premiership champions.

He confirmed: "It is something we may have a look at again. We know what Colin can do and he is a good footballer.

"I hope to be speaking with Colin soon and, ultimately, it is up to him to make the decision."

Not surprisingly, Peters denied he is poised to strike for Murdoch and said: "Alex Ferguson was just helping us out because we were short of bodies. "This sort of thing happens all the time. You can now borrow players for two reserve games without signing them.

"United have a lot of players fighting for places in their reserves and so I asked them if we could use Colin because of all our injuries.

"I know Burnley tried to sign him and there are other clubs showing interest."

Heath could now be ready to offer terms to former Manchester United man David Hilton.

The winger, now a free agent after his Old Trafford contract expired last month, has impressed Heath after spending the past fortnight on trial at Turf Moor.

Heath added: "We might be able to sit down with him over the summer. It all depands on a number of factors."

IAN Helliwell and Glen Little were on the mark for Burnley in last night's 3-2 reserve team defeat at York City. Burnley wind up their Pontin's League programme against Bradford City at Turf Moor tonight (7.15pm).

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