PROLIFIC striker Jason Scotland is a leading target for Owen Coyle as the Clarets boss assembles his squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.

The agent of the Swansea City frontman, Mike Berry, has indicated that Burnley and top-flight rivals Wigan are emerging as serious contenders to sign Scotland this summer.

Speaking yesterday to the Lancashire Telegraph, Berry declined to confirm whether the Clarets had made an official approach for the Trinidad and Tobago international.

But he stated that Coyle would be “very, very interested” in luring the 30-year-old, who he managed during his time at St Johnstone, to Turf Moor over the coming weeks.

New Wigan manager Roberto Martinez - who also brought the best out of the Caribbean goal-getter at the Liberty Stadium - is another in the running for his signature.

“I’ve heard nothing official but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Roberto came in for Jason because he has had him before,” said Berry.

“I know that Roberto rates Jason very, very highly and thinks that he can play at the highest level, so it’s a case of ‘watch this space’.

“The other interesting one is Owen Coyle at Burnley who I know is very, very interested in Jason having had him before at St Johnstone.”

Coyle is no stranger to Scotland’s talents after signing him for St Johnstone from Dundee United in 2005.

The striker scored 33 goals in 66 appearances for the Saints, and came within 90 minutes of firing the Perth side to the SPL three seasons back.

Scotland has since enjoyed two profilific seasons in both League One and the Championship for Swansea, netting more than 50 goals following his move south of the border.

And he scored both of Swansea’s goals when the South Wales club registered a 2-0 league win over Burnley at Turf Moor in January.

While he may be tempted to follow his previous boss Martinez to the JJB Stadium, Scotland has always been fulsome in his praise of Coyle and a move to Burnley could prove a real possibility as the Clarets boss beefs up his attacking options for next season.

Earlier this year, Scotland said: “I liked him (Coyle) and he must have liked me because he didn’t want me to leave when I did and wanted me to stay in Scotland.

“That didn’t happen, but he was really good for me and was a good man, somebody you could always talk to – I respect him for that.

“He’s a real people’s guy and I never had a problem with him and I don’t think anyone else there had a bad word to say about him.

“I think that’s probably the main factor why he’s done so well, because by doing that he gets players at the top of their game.”