Battle on for Jack Cork

BURNLEY remain very much at the forefront of the battle to land Jack Cork.

I believe the Clarets, along with Southampton and Blackpool, have agreed a fee in the region of £750,000 for the midfielder, and are hoping to entice the England Under 21 international back to Turf Moor.

Cork is currently away with the Under 21s as they prepare for the European Championships in Denmark this month, but Howe is hopeful he can get his man: “I think there’s always going to be interest in good players - you’d be very surprised if other clubs weren;t in for Jack, but we’ll see how it develops.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

““We’re working hard to try and get something done, and hopefully we will soon start to get our targets in.”

As Howe has previously said, much could depend on interest in some of his players, and admits that will have a bearing on his plans.

But he added: “We’re working hard to get things done and it’s a case of timing - there’s not a lot of movement at the moment.

“Obviously, if there’s interest in our players, that could alter areas we might have identified to find replacements.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Hopefully no-one comes in for our players, and we can keep together the lads who have a year left. There’s always that chance they could go, and things are delicately poised.”

Blackpool have denied they have had an offer accepted for Cork, although the Seasiders have an interest in the player.

Secretary Matt Williams said: “Contrary to speculation, we have not had a bid accepted for the player and we were surprised to read that we had.

“The manager has given the chairman a number of targets and he is speaking to their clubs, their representatives and to the individuals concerned. As soon as something is finalised it will be announced.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile, Chris McCann is currently mulling over his latest contract offer.

Howe feels the midfielder has a big part in his plans, and he said: “We’re still working hard to make that happen, but the ball is in his court.

“The club has made him an offer, we’re in regular contact with him and his agent, and we hope he wants to play his football with us.

“He’s gone away to discuss it with his family and agent, and hopefully it will be sorted soon.

“We’re making every effort to make sure he signs.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I understand there is room for negotiation with McCann, should he fail to accept this latest offer - there is no sense of it being a final, take it or leave it offer, but the decision is currently in the player’s hands.

l THE official DVD of the 2010/11 season is now on sale in the Clarets Store.

The DVD takes a comprehensive look back at a roller-coaster ride for everyone of a claret and blue persuasion.

An action-packed season review chronicles the campaign, which brought thrilling derby victories over Lancashire rivals Preston North End, the electrifying Carling Cup win against Owen Coyle’s Bolton Wanderers, all the memorable goals and the managerial change that rocked Turf Moor for a second successive season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The DVD also carries over two hours of exclusive bonus features, including Clarke Carlisle’s video diary of the Clarets’ road trip to Aston Villa and QPR and a special Best of BFCTV.

The Burnley FC Review of the Season 2010/11 is now on sale, priced at £9.99. Orders can also be placed online.