IPSWICH Town are today bracing themselves for a bid from Burnley for striker Alan Lee.

Sources in Suffolk suggest the Clarets have made contact with the Portman Road side as to Lee's availability and the fee Town would want for his services.

And manager Jim Magilton has indicated that he could be willing to part with the Republic of Ireland international.

The Clarets are keen to quickly fill the gap left in their armoury by Andy Gray, who left Turf Moor last Friday for Charlton Athletic in a deal that could be worth more than £2million.

Rumours that a £900,000 deal with the Tractor Boys for the well-travelled striker, who spent just over a year at Burnley in 1999/2000, had already been signed appear to be wide of the mark and have been denied by Town boss Magilton and chairman David Sheepshanks.

Another player who is rumoured to be on the Clarets' shopping list is Dundee United skipper Barry Robson.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has been linked with moves to Premier League sides Newcastle United and Birmingham City and Scottish giants Celtic, has hit the headlines this season after weighing in with 11 goals for the Tannadice outfit.

Clarets boss Owen Coyle is known to be a big admirer of the Scotland international after having worked with him in his time with The Terrors as a coach.

And, according to sources north of the border, Burnley have made an enquiry about Robson.

Elsewhere, Coyle has indicated it is unlikely he will tempted to re-enter the race to sign Celtic striker Derek Riordan The 25-year-old has had a wretched time at Parkhead since his switch from Hibernian in the summer of 2006, making just eight league starts.

The Clarets are reported to have made a £400,000 bid for Riordan, which was rejected.