BURNLEY face stiff competition from rival Championship AND Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, if they are to secure long-term target Andrew Driver’s signature from Hearts.

The Clarets are understood to have made an offer to the tune of £1.5million following discussions between operational director Brendan Flood and Driver’s agent.

It is the third attempt Burnley have made to bring in the Oldham-born winger in as many summer transfer windows, twice under previous manager Owen Coyle, and they would need to at least double their latest bid to tempt the Scottish Premier League side into selling their prized asset.

However, double winners Chelsea are thought to be preparing a bid that would draw the Clarets’, following talks between Roman Abramovich and Hearts’ majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov over a potential loan move with a view to a £5m transfer.

But Driver, who is contracted to the Jambos until 2013 and has business interests in Edinburgh, may be put off a move to the English champions because of the fierce competition for first team places.

Wigan Athletic, Middlesbrough and Dutch champions FC Twente have also registered their interest in the 22-year-old, but to date only Chelsea’s valuation has matched Romanov’s.

Driver missed the start of the season with a heel injury he suffered during Hearts’ pre-season training south of the border.

When the 22-year-old returned to action he was dogged by tendonitis and missed the end of the season with a thigh strain he picked up in a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock in April.

Burnley were thought to be closing in on Driver last summer, when FC Twente also emerged as contender’s for the youngster’s signature after he debuted for England in the UEFA Under 21 Championship in Sweden.

The Clarets had on offer around £750,000, plus add-on, rejected the previous summer.