THE on-off transfer saga over Gareth Taylor's move from Maine Road to Turf Moor was finally settled in Burnley's favour.

The deal will allow the striker to face former club Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tomorrow.

The Clarets looked set to continue their play-off quest without the Manchester City front man after a break-down in negotiations over the final month of Taylor's loan from the Premiership club.

Burnley had balked at paying a £35,000 fee, on top of the player's wages, and Taylor subsequently missed Tuesday night's crucial win over Tranmere.

But with just two games left in the regular season City yesterday climbed down and, after further talks between Stan Ternent and Maine Road counterpart Joe Royle, Burnley extended Taylor's stay just before last night's 5pm deadline for the loan period to run out.

"City reduced their demands and we struck a deal for a further month on loan," confirmed delighted chairman Barry Kilby.

Burnley will end up paying a "slight increase" on the original package but were happy with the terms of the new arrangement which will make Taylor, who has scored four important goals for the club, eligible to face Sheffield United and Watford and then line up in the play-offs if Burnley make it.

"I am delighted to get Gareth on board until the end of the season. He is a great lad and a major asset to our squad.

"I've done a good deal for the club and Gareth is looking forward to playing his part ," said Ternent, who hopes to land the Welsh international on a permanent basis in the summer.

Taylor, who will be a free agent when his City contract expires in June, has always wanted to stay with the Clarets.

He said: "I wasn't looking forward to going back to City because I wanted to stay and play for Burnley and thankfully it's worked out okay.

"To be honest, I had thought the chance had gone.

"But I have a lot to thank Stan Ternent for and I'm glad it's all worked out for me.

"It was double disappointing that I was going to miss out on the Sheffield United game, but everything has worked out okay and I'm looking forward to going back there.

"I had a brilliant time there. I did well for the club and had a good rapport with the fans. It will be interesting to see what kind of a reception I get."

Taylor's return is a moral triumph for Burnley, while City also benefit from losing him from their wage bill with a payment presumably due should the Clarets sneak into the top six.

The Clarets, without money to burn, had stood their ground without wishing to limit their play-off chances.

Kilby added: "It was a big decision but we have to be strong and make these decisions and we did still come out with the win on Tuesday. We've got to give it every chance, but be sensible about it."

The unfortunate party could now be John Mullin if he loses his place to Taylor at Bramall Lane after scoring the winner against Tranmere.

However, Mullin would be an ideal candidate to fill a midfield role if either Paul Weller or Glen Little are ruled out of a game Burnley really need to win while hoping that either Preston, Birmingham or West Brom slip up.

Both picked up hamstring strains in midweek and remain under treatment ahead of a late decision on their availability.

The absence of either of the in-form pair would be a blow, but Mullin could certainly do a job in as an attacking midfielder alongside Kevin Ball, while winger Brad Maylett looks ready for only his second senior start.

"I think the gaffer has been delighted with his contributions the last few times he's come on and I think he'll be looking to see if he can do any better over a longer period.

"He seems to be coming on smashing and I think the gaffer will be looking to give him a shot as soon as he can," said assistant boss Sam Ellis.

Sheffield United, whose own play-off hopes are now over, are unlikely to make major changes to the side that won at Grimsby last Saturday.

Burnley from: Michopoulos, Thomas, Briscoe, Davis, Armstrong, Little, Ball, Weller, Cook, Moore, Taylor, Mullin, Payton, West, Cox, Maylett, Shandran, Crichton.

Sheffield United from: Talia, Murphy, Curle, Morrison, Devlin, Doane, Jagielka, Ford, Ullathorne, Asaba, Ndlovu, Kozluk, Kelly, Montgomery, Uhlenbeek, Tonge.