Burnley boss plays down Ipswich swoop rumours

3:50pm Monday 6th October 2008

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BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle has played down reports suggesting Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton is lining up a January transfer window swoop for Alan Mahon.

The Clarets midfielder’s involvement has been limited this season, with his three appearances to date all from the bench, while he has made only 31 starts in just over two seasons at Turf Moor, after signing from Wigan in 2006.

Ipswich is familiar territory for the 30-year-old, after he spent three months on loan at Portman Road towards the end of 2003. He also owns property in the area.

But Coyle insists Mahon remains part of his plans.

“Alan Mahon has been in almost every 16 I've played,” said the Burnley boss.”

“There was interest in one or two players in the last transfer window. It's not necessarily the case that Alan Mahon was one of them, but there was nothing concrete in any case.

“There are players who aren't playing who want to play. Steve Jones is available for loan and Gabor Kiraly has been told he can leave.

“But there has been no dialogue between myself and Jim Magilton, who I get on very well with.

“I am not getting involved with conjecture, but if anyone made a concrete offer for any of my players, then they would know before anyone else."