Clarets boss Stan Ternent was today linked with a stunning swoop for Everton striker Mark Hughes.

With Ian Wright saying again that he has called it a day, Hughes was reported as Ternent's latest high profile target.

However, Everton boss Walter Smith said there had been no contact from Ternent.

And if the Clarets are keen to land the Welsh international manager they may have to wait until October to get their man.

With Kevin Campbell not fit to start the season following knee surgery, Smith won't let any of his front men go.

However, that situation could change once Campbell is back to full fitness and if Ternent is still in the market for a striker at that stage then Hughes could come into the reckoning.

The 36-year-old was an outstanding performer in the top-flight for Manchester United and Chelsea before joining Southampton and then Everton in March following Campbell's injury. His goal output isn't what it was but he still had a big impact at Goodison Park where his form helped Everton finish in mid-table and where he proved he can still deliver the goods as a handful for defenders even at the highest level.

Wright picked up his MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday where he confirmed he had retired from the game.

Ternent still plans to talk to the former England international about changing his mind.

And should the 36-year-old goalscorer, who helped the Clarets to promotion last season, decide he wants to come back there's sure to be a role for him at Turf Moor.

However, it looks as though Burnley will certainly start the season without him.

"I told the Queen that I've just retired as a professional footballer and I have to say, so far, I'm not missing it.

"Maybe when the season starts, I'll start to miss it. But I want to work with kids - soccer schools, that sort of thing.

"It was the right time for me to retire. I could never emulate the success I had with Arsenal -- it was unbelievable for me," said Wright, who also has a burgeoning television career to pursue.