BURNLEY remain interested in bringing Chris Baird back to Turf Moor as Sean Dyche assesses his recruitment options in defence.

The club made no reference to Baird when confirming this week that contract offers were still on the table for Michael Duff, Junior Stanislas and Luke O’Neill.

It is understood that the Clarets are considering a range of potential defensive targets but Baird remains firmly one of those options, after impressing during his spell at the end of the 2013/14 campaign.

The Northern Ireland international filled in admirably at right back following an injury to Kieran Trippier, and Dyche said after the end of the season that he was keen to keep Baird at the club.

The 32-year-old has considerable Premier League experience with Southampton and Fulham, but Dyche admitted that the defender faced a difficult decision over his future because his family home is currently in the south.

Burnley have been making contact with clubs over a number of players, largely on an informal basis at this stage of the summer rather than making formal bids, with the Clarets prepared to be patient to get the targets they want.

West Brom defender Craig Dawson has been among their targets, although the Baggies’ capture of Joleon Lescott yesterday does not automatically spell the end of Dawson’s time at the Hawthorns.

West Brom made it clear recently that they wanted to keep Dawson – particularly as the 24-year-old is considerably younger than the other central defenders on their books.

Dawson, however, is concerned about how regularly he will play for his current club and is known to be interested in a move to Burnley.

The Clarets have been continuing talks this week with 36-year-old Duff over a new deal at the club, with his current contract expiring at the end of the month.

It is understood that Duff wants to stay at Turf Moor providing a deal can be agreed.

Burnley are also looking at potential options to strengthen up front and are understood to have made an enquiry about Bolton Wanderers striker Marvin Sordell.

The 23-year-old, who represented Great Britain at the Olympics, impressed during his time at Watford under Sean Dyche but has struggled to secure regular football with Bolton and spent last season on loan at Charlton Athletic.

Burnley have still received no offers for forward Danny Ings, despite reports now suggesting German clubs Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg are monitoring the 21-year-old.

The Clarets have always made it crystal clear that they have no intention of entertaining any approach for the forward this summer, despite the fact he has only one year left on his current contract and has yet to agree a new deal at Turf Moor.