Burnley FC manager hints about new loan signings

Dyche, speaking about the possibility of new signings on Tuesday night, after the 2-0 Capital One Cup win over Preston, said: “There are a couple of things but they will remain private for now.

“There’s one pending that we’re hoping works.”

He hinted that loans were more likely.

However, yesterday morning there was a fresh link, with speculation of a £500,000 move for Brighton’s 23-year-old striker Ashley Barnes, who is in the last year of his contract at the Amex Stadium.

Dyche remained coy on the subject: “We’re working on a couple of things but we’ve not had a break yet.

“We’re going very strong on a couple, as strong as we can financially, to try and get them over the line.

“I’ve forgotten how many names have been thrown at me now, but we’re keeping our cards close to our chest – I don’t like talking about other clubs’ players, we’ll just wait and see what develops.

“The fact is we can’t just throw money about to make things happen, we have to do things as quietly as we can and inch towards things.

“The players we are pushing for, other clubs are interested in, and clubs can make use of our situation to tout players around and try and get more money.

“It makes it difficult for us, but we’ll keep pushing to get the deals at the level we want.”

Meanwhile, the club were due to make a decision on midfielder Marvin Bartley, whose 28-day loan at Leyton Orient expired yesterday, as to whether he returns to Brisbane Road or not, having only started once for the Os.

Dyche comes up against former Nottingham Forest teammate Nigel Clough and keeper Lee Grant, who left Turf Moor to return to Pride Park in the summer.

He said: “They’ve made a good start, but we’re fit and well, and we’re ready. But it will be difficult, Nigel is a good manager and has what he feels is his best group at Derby.”

l Burnley have been drawn at home to Nottingham Forest in the Capital One Cup third round.