BURNLEY'S leading goalscorer Andy Gray is on the verge of joining Charlton Athletic in a potential club record sale, with Ipswich striker Alan Lee believed to be lined up for a return to Turf Moor as his replacement.

The 13-goal front man last night signed an emergency loan agreement in time to be included in the Addicks' squad for their game against Watford today, with a view to completing the deal after the game or on Monday.

Clarets manager manager Owen Coyle admitted he was reluctant to let Gray go, and even rejected what the club described as a "substantial seven-figure offer" from the London club earlier this week.

But that offer was increased to £1.5million, with the inclusion of add-ons that could take the deal up to £2m. And in the end the Burnley boss felt his hands were tied after the 30-year-old, who had been hotly pursued by Charlton boss Alan Pardew, stated he wanted to join their Championship rivals.

"I have to say that we never wanted to lose Andy at any point and that is why we turned down the first bid," said Coyle.

"However, at that point, Andy came to me and said he wanted to go to Charlton.

"I think he had been made aware that he could double his salary, but at that time there wasn't a deal that suited this football club.

"Subsequent to that, Charlton made an improved offer and after receiving that I received a second visit from Andy, reiterating that he wanted to go.

"We had a second offer from another Championship club, involving a lot of cash, plus a player.

"That club were made aware of the situation regarding what Andy's contractual needs would be and at that point, they pulled out.

"Andy was again waiting to see me when I arrived at the club (on Friday morning) and when he asked I told him there had been an improved offer that the club were looking at.

"At that point, he asked if I was considering him playing at Coventry on Saturday, which I was.

"Andy told me that he felt he was not in the right frame of mind and could not do himself, or the team justice.

"I feel that players have an obligation that whoever wears that shirt, they do so with pride because our supporters work hard all week and pay good money to watch their team, home and away.

"All I ask is that they give everything they have got to represent those supporters, but after talking to my staff and thinking about it, we felt that we had been backed into a corner and had no option.

"I told Andy to go home and that he wouldn't be training with the lads as I only want players totally committed and focused as we prepare for a big match.

"At that point he was neither committed or focused on Burnley Football Club.

Coyle added: "I have to say that since I have been here Andy has worked really well and been terrific for me.

"I am disappointed at how it all came to an end, but again I say that I only want players who are totally committed to this club and give all they have got."

Lee, who left Burnley seven years ago, seems the likely replacement for Gray, costing £900,000. Although Coyle will not name his target, he admitted a deal is close. However, it is unlikely to go ahead before Monday.

"Negotiations are already well underway to sign a replacement," the Burnley boss said.

"We hoped to have somebody in for (today), but the club involved feel they need that player for (their) game and we will pick that one up next week."

Similarly, Crewe Alexandra still hope to sign Steve Jones on loan but any deal will only go ahead next week at the earliest, with the 31-year-old needed in the Clarets' squad this weekend.