Edgar's Burnley deal agreed (From This Is Lancashire)

Edgar's Burnley deal agreed

8:32am Thursday 24th December 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)

BURNLEY have agreed a fee with Newcastle United for defender David Edgar, but the club IS heading for a tribunal with Manchester United over Richard Eckersley.

The Clarets have been in discussions with both clubs since swooping for the young defenders in the summer.

Although out of contract and technically free agents, their former employees are entitled to compensation under the Bosman ruling after they turned down new terms to make the switch to Turf Moor.

Negotiations with Newcastle have been lengthy but straightforward, with Burnley ready to initially shell out around £300,000.

However, the board have not been able to strike a deal with Old Trafford chiefs for Eckersley. Their valuation of the Salford-born stopper is understood to be in the region of £1million, which is well in excess of what the Clarets would be willing to spend.

Burnley chief executive Paul Fletcher confirmed: “We have an agreement with Newcastle – we’re waiting for the contract to arrive. But we’ve not come to the same agreement with Manchester United. We have informed the Premier League and they will set the tribunal.”

Both players have been restricted to Carling Cup appearances so far.

Canada Under 21 international Edgar was denied the chance to start the season in the absence of injured captain Steven Caldwell because of a suspension carried over from the final day of last term, while Eckersley was sent off on his debut at Hartlepool United.

With Caldwell again battling the same groin injury which delayed his start to the campaign, and Clarke Carlisle suffering a similar problem in last weekend’s defeat at Wolves, the summer signings could be knocking on the door for the Boxing Day derby at home to Bolton Wanderers.

Michael Duff may also be in line for his first Premier League start, after replacing Carlisle at Molineux.

The 30-year-old Northern Ireland international’s top flight bow completed a rise through the ranks after beginning his career at Cheltenham, who were a conference club when he signed in 1997.

“He’s a great lad and he’s working hard,” said manager Owen Coyle. “When players like that do well you’re pleased for them.

“But I’m pleased for them all.

“If they didn’t show the right attitude I wouldn’t tolerate it. They work their socks off for me day in day out.

“The bottom line with football is you can only pick 11 players. There are always going to be disappointments, but that’s the nature of the game.

“People know the way we work at the football club. If people are injured or have a loss of form it gives everyone an opportunity.

“It’s important when players are out of the team they work their socks off to show me and the staff they are ready and willing to play.

“If they don’t have the right attitude they’re not going to play for me. I need players who are committed to the football club.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)