GLOBETROTTING Adrian Heath, pictured right, is prepared to comb Europe and Africa to bring an intercontinental flavour to Turf Moor.
The Burnley boss continued his widespread search for fresh talent today on the domestic front with at least a dozen phone calls to various Endsleigh League and Premiership clubs.
But the former Espanol and European Cup Winners Cup medal holder is set to utilise his European network of contacts in a bid to bring an international face to Burnley before the start of next season.
Heath, who had a season under current Spanish national coach Javier Clemente at Espanol in Barcelona, said: "I've had a fax this morning with household names on it from Italy and Spain," said Heath.
"Most of them are international players, and I know from speaking to the various agents, they are keen to come and play in English football.
"If I can sell the ambition of Burnley to a lad from Italy, France, Germany or elsewhere, who's to say we can't land ourselves an international footballer for a real bargain.
"Some of the players from former Yugoslavia, Croatia and some of the former Soviet republics have made a great impression over here. "I know for a fact that that there will be quality players available in the summer for a reasonable fee who have at played at the highest level in European club football.
"Some of the emerging African nations have players with tremendous natural talent. They now possess the strength and footballing nouse to go with their great skills. The African players are more of a finished package and I will be looking at that situation as well.
"I would love to bring in an international name to Burnley. I would like our fans to be able to say what a great player he is and enjoy his skills week in and week out."
But sensibly Heath will not be rushed into the transfer market and added: "I am not going to sacrifice getting the best possible players for Burnley just to bring a couple of faces in before transfer deadline day.
"I don't see the point in squandering money now when there are going to be a lot of players to choose from in the summer.
"I have sounded out several possible deals and I should have a better picture soon. But the one thing I want to avoid doing is spending for the sake of spending and then find I've got players I don't really want to use next season. I am not prepared to waste money in an aimless fashion.
"There will be some wheeling and dealing over the next week. But whether we get involved in the market remains to be seen."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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