NEW Burnley boss Chris Waddle today issued a warning to eager Second Division poachers: Hands off Andy Cooke.

Bristol City are thought to be set to move back in with a renewed bid for the striker.

City boss John Ward, who moved to Ashton Gate from Burnley towards the end of last season, is a known admirer of Cooke.

The striker forged a very good partnership with Paul Barnes and his progress enabled Adrian Heath to let Kurt Nogan move to Preston.

I understood that Ward asked about a possible £450,000 transfer for Cooke to Ashton Gate after the end of the season.

And there was much speculation shortly before Heath departed for Everton that they were about to step up their interest. A striker is high on Ward's wanted list and, with a new manager now installed at Turf Moor, he could be ready to relaunch his efforts to sign him. But Waddle said: "Andy Cooke is definitely not for sale.

"He has got a lot more to offer.

"He is very strong and obviously a bit raw because he has come from non-league.

"But he looks as though he has a lot to offer this team. He will get better.

"My intention is not to sell our best players.

"I will not be selling anyone unless I am forced to."

And Waddle has already started the ball rolling to strengthen his own squad - long-term.

He revealed: "I have made a few inquiries about players and hopefully I can bring in a few faces before the start of the season.

"I am looking at players in defence, midfield and attack who can handle the First Division as well as the Second."

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