GARETH Taylor has headed back to Manchester City aggrieved that he can't finish the job he started at Turf Moor.

Burnley must continue their play-off push at Sheffield United on Saturday without the in-form striker after his loan deal collapsed over a 'transfer' fee demanded by the Premiership club.

City are believed to have wanted £35,000 for the striker's services in the third and final month of his loan -- which looks certain not to be revived before today's 5pm deadline.

However, Burnley would also have had to pay the player's wages until the end of June had they kept him.

And while the Clarets were apparently prepared to do that and cough up should they reach the play-offs and achieve promotion, the total package should they miss the boat would have eaten too far into Stan Ternent's budget for next season.

Burnley and Taylor himself are therefore the losers with the player revealing: "I was at the game on Tuesday and had a long chat with the gaffer. He was disappointed and so was I. He wanted to do it and I wanted to do it but City played hard ball.

"I have enjoyed my time there and it's just disappointing that I couldn't carry it on. I am used to playing with the lads, we've had a good run of results, things are going well and then that happens.

"It's not my fault and it's not Burnley's fault. We wanted to do it but it was too much for them.

"I wanted to sign and Joe Royle probably wanted me to carry on playing but these things happen and are sent to test you."

City, however, are keen not to be seen as the bad guys, claiming the payment of such fees is normal practice and believe £35,000 is a fair price to effectively cover a three-month loan spell.

Having been accussed of squandering money in the past, the Maine Road club are also anxious not to be seen as a soft touch.

But Taylor, a free agent in the summer, had hoped that there would have been nothing barring an extension to his successful stay with the Clarets.

"It just seems a bit daft to me. Even if they had just got my wages back (it might have been okay) but they obviously wanted more than that.

"I could understand Burnley willing to pay so much but not stupid money when they can get me on a free in the summer," he added.

However, Taylor hopes it isn't the end of the story and the Welsh international is keen to return to Turf Moor on a permanent basis in the close season.

He said: "I have spoken to the gaffer and I will be speaking to him again in the summer. I get on great with the lads and if everything is right I can't see any reason why I won't sign."

Taylor is still hoping Burnley can clinch promotion but believes regardless of the end-of-season outcome, the future is bright for the Clarets.

"I would rather be going back to a Premier League club than a First Division one next season but either way I think next season is going to be a huge one. If they don't get promoted this time that will be the aim," he said. FRUSTRATED: Former Clarets striker Gareth Taylor is back with City BLOW: Stan Ternent