Stanislas signs for Clarets as Elliott departs

AS soon as the transfer window closed on Wednesday night, Clarets boss Eddie Howe turned his attentions to the loan market to bolster his squad.

Wednesday saw one in and one out, as Junior Stanislas landed from West Ham United on a three-year year deal, while Wembley hero Wade Elliott joined Birmingham City.

But Howe knows his squad remains light in certain areas, and he is looking to bring in a central midfielder and a centre-back – expected to be Stoke City’s Ryan Shotton – when the emergency loan window opens next week.

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Howe said: “I’m very pleased to get Junior, but we are still short in a couple of areas.

“We were trying until late on Wednesday night to remedy that, but for whatever reason the deals didn’t come off.

“We are light in central midfield and a couple of other areas, and we will now have to go down the loan route when the window reopens.

“I’m happy with the players we have, but I would like more competition in certain areas.”

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Howe was close to ending a summer-long chase for Shotton on Wednesday.

But as Stoke were involved in so much activity on the day – spending £22m to bring in Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios and Cameron Jerome – the deal was put on the backburner.

However, Howe will look to revisit that deal, hopefully in time for the Clarets’ next game at home to Middlesbrough a week tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Howe looked back on a typically hectic end of the transfer window.

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Stanislas added to his summer captures of Keith Treacy, Zavon Hines, Danny Ings, Jon Stewart and Manchester City loan duo Ben Mee and Kieren Trippier.

Howe was delighted to land the England Under 21 winger, saying: “I think Junior’s going to be an excellent signing.

“He ticks all the boxes in terms of what we’re looking for. He’s played in the Premier Division, and did well there under Gianfranco Zola.

“He had a frustrating season last year due to injury, but he has great pedigree.

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“He’s been brought up through the West Ham youth system, where they instill good habits, and I believe we can help Junior progress and get the best out of him.

“He can score goals, and can play in different positions – out wide or in behind the striker.

“He’s a good finisher, and scores goals from distance too, as you saw last week against Aldershot in the cup.

“He’s athletic and quick, and while he’s different to Zavon, they both have good technique, pace and are good friends, which will help them settle.”

Elliott’s exit, however, is the end of an era.

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Having been snapped up on a free transfer from Bournemouth in the summer of 2005, Elliott made 282 appearances, scoring 23 goals – including the goal that won the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley, and propelled the Clarets to the Premier League.

Howe said: “It’s sad to see Wade go.

“He’s been a fantastic servant, and obviously will go down in history as the man who scored the goal that took the club to the Premier League.

“He will always been remembered for that.

“He’s a fantastic lad and a player, and I’m sorry to see him go.

“But Wade wanted to play every week, and we couldn’t guarantee him that.

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“He still has that burning desire to play, and he goes with our best wishes.”

The club did manage to rebuff a deadline day bid for Jay Rodriguez from Southampton, who upped their initial offer of £4.5m by £500,000.

Howe said: “We didn’t want Jay to go – he’s only going to get better and we want to build the squad around players like him.

“He’s scoring goals and I’m sure he’s enjoying playing every week and seeing what we are trying to do here.

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“There was renewed interest from Southampton, and another bid.

“But everyone connected with the club, the board, myself and the fans are very keen for him to stay.”

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