Pato’s Burnley future still in the air after talks

Paterson is free to leave the club after reaching the end of his contract but Burnley are keen for the player to remain a fixture at Turf Moor.

Burnley chiefs are looking to trim the club’s wage bill and both have so far not been able to reach an acceptable agreement.

The Northern Ireland international is also seeking assurances over his role within the team though.

Paterson, who joined the club for an initial £1min the summer of 2008, ended the season as second-top scorer behind Charlie Austin with eight goals, having hit two in the last two games against Wolves and Ipswich.

It was the 26-year-old’s best season in terms of goals and games played since his first year with the club, which saw him hit 19 in all competitions

He has made no secret of his desire to play up front and in previous contract talks has tried to seek assurances that he would be given this opportunity.

Other clubs are interested in the striker, who of course helped to fire Burnley to promotion in 2009 at the end of his first season at Turf Moor, but Paterson chose to effectively offer the Clarets first refusal.

Burnley are now set to consider offering the forward improved terms.

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