BURLY centre-forward Jason Beckford is training with Burnley.

And if he impresses Clarets chief Adrian Heath in the first few weeks of pre-season training it could lead to a permanent move to Turf Moor.

Heath also revealed today that he is giving a trial to teenage midfielder Paul Proctor.

The 18-year-old was recommended to Burnley by Sammy Lee after he was released by Liverpool last season.

Heath explained: "Sammy Lee contacted us to say that several of the good youngsters were available when Liverpool released a few of their players in May.

"You have to remember that some of the young talent which may not be good enough for Liverpool might make the grade in the Football League.

"That is why we have arranged to have a really good look at this young lad.

"He's a left-footed midfielder with a tremendous enthusiasm for the game. He is a very determined youngster and I've been impressed by him." On Beckford, Heath added: "Jason has had a difficult time with injuries and his career has fallen by the wayside a bit.

"But we are offering him the opportunity to get match-fit and to see what he can do. It is up to him."

Burnley have been persistently linked with Beckford's brother Darren from Oldham Athletic over the summer.

The 26-year-old Jason began his career with Manchester City and has had stints with Birmingham, Stoke, Millwall and Northampton.

He also enjoyed loan spells with Blackburn, Port Vale and Bury.

Meanwhile, Burnley have emerged as the frontrunners to land Exeter City's highly-rated defender Jon Richardson - and have had a six-figure offer turned down by Exeter.

"It's way off the mark in terms of how we value Jon," confirmed Exeter player-boss Peter Fox. "But I know Adrian Heath rates him highly and I'm sure he will be back."

Exeter sources also suggested that Heath has offered a Clarets player to the Third Division club as part of a player/cash deal in a bid to tempt Exeter into selling the 21-year-old.

Richardson has been saddled with a £300,000 price tag and spoke to Preston boss Gary Peters as negotiations continued today.

The deal could go to a tribunal if neither Burnley nor Preston satisfy Exeter's demands.

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