BOAVISTA striker Bambo's move to Turf Moor took a positive step forward today when the Portuguese under-21 star was cleared to join Burnley for pre-season training.

Burnley boss Adrian Heath, who is also on the verge of announcing the capture of a midfield player, revealed: "We have received a fax from his club today giving him permission to come over and train with us.

"That's the main thing and what I wanted. Hopefully we can then get the go-ahead to complete the deal."

There have been one or two snags in negotiating the transfer with Boavista but Heath believes this latest development is a good sign and is now waiting to see just when the striker will be here.

He also expects to add an experienced midfield player to the staff very shortly.

"I have almost completed a deal but I cannot reveal the name of the player until it has been finalised," said Heath.

"There are one or two minor things to sort out and I expect to be able to deal with them later today."

With former Burnley stalwart Vince Overson also in the frame, things are starting to develop as Heath prepares for his first full season in charge.

Meanwhile Burnley continue to monitor the situation in Northern Ireland where they are due to travel later this month for a series of friendlies.

The manager is hopeful that the trip can take place as scheduled, despite the troubles.

"We are watching developments and other English clubs are due to go there at the same time," he said. "The last thing we want to do is to pull out of it and deprive the people who live there the chance to see the games."

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