Alex MacDonald signs new Burnley contract

The 22-year-old striker has agreed a 12-month deal with the Clarets after reaching the end of his existing contract.

MacDonald returned to Turf Moor to start pre-season training earlier this month after ending last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.

The Scotland under-21 international scored four times in 18 appearances to help the Pilgrims retain their place in the Football League.

MacDonald also made seven appearances for the Clarets last season, taking his number of senior games for Burnley to 15 since starting out in the club’s youth system.

The Chester-born forward follows senior players Brian Jensen and Jon Stewart in signing new deals this summer as Howe continues to finalise his squad ahead of the new campaign with the Clarets’ first pre-season friendly taking them to Altrincham this coming Saturday.

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on iPhone and Android devices.