BURNLEY hope to move a step closer to finalising new terms for Chris McCann today.

I understand the popular midfielder’s representative is due to meet with operational director Brendan Flood, after taking time out this summer to mull over a new deal on coming to the end of his contract.

Both parties are keen to draw a line under lengthy negotiations, with the Clarets hopeful that it will result in the 23-year-old staying at Turf Moor.

McCann was offered terms before making his comeback from a series of serious knee injuries, which kept him out of action for almost two full seasons and required reconstructive surgery last summer.

The youth team product immediately impressed new boss Eddie Howe in his comeback game against Derby County in April, in which he scored in a 4-2 win.

However, Bolton were believed to have expressed an interest in the Dubliner and threw a spanner in the works.

Ex-Clarets boss Owen Coyle once labelled McCann the “photo-fit of a modern midfielder”, and was understood to have tried to tempt him with a three-year deal.

This was refuted by a Wanderers source, but nevertheless Burnley offered improved terms to McCann, who was given the captain’s armband in the final game of last season against Cardiff.

Flood has since had regular contact with McCann’s agent, and it is anticipated that talks will come to a head today.

Young striker Alex MacDonald could also put pen to paper on a new deal early next week.