DARLINGTON'S out-of-contract defender Matty Appleby today emerged as a Turf Moor target, writes TONY DEWHURST.

I can reveal Burnley had a £160,000 transfer deadline day bid turned down for the ex-Newcastle United star and player-chief Adrian Heath has monitored his progress week by week since March.

Now the Clarets could be ready to renew their interest in the £300,000-rated sweeper.

Appleby's form attracted a host of scouts to the Feethams last season as his splendid form inspired Darlington's promotion push. They were only denied at the final hurdle, losing to Plymouth Argyle in the Third Division Play-Off final at Wembley.

"He has just had a brilliant season and is the best player in Division Three by a million miles," said a Darlington source.

"Matty wants to play in a higher league and I know Crystal Palace and West Ham have both shown interest. He has also had a couple of offers from the continent as well as the Burnley interest."

Appleby began his career with Newcastle but transferred to Darlington two years ago for just £25,000 after a handful of Premiership appearances at St James's Park. He now joins Oldham's Darren Beckford and former Norwich City star Jeremy Goss at the top of the Clarets wanted list.

But whether Heath has the necessary financial clout to make a fresh summer move for the 24-year-old remains to be seen.

Darlington are expected to off-load several of their stars before the start of next season and manager Jim Platt has been ordered to sell.

Meanwhile, the Clarets player-chief is due to conduct further talks with Goss when the player returns from holiday in a fortnight's time.

Heath watched Goss play a minor role in Wales' 5-0 World Cup Group Seven qualifying win over San Marino at the Stadio di Serravalle on Sunday night.

Goss replaced Bristol Rovers star Marcus Browning a quarter of an hour from time.

"I'm monitoring a number of leads although it is unlikely that anything will develop this week," admitted Heath.

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