PETER Shackleton today denied sweeping rumours that his backers were set to pull out of the deal to buy Burnley Football Club within 24 hours.

Turf Moor was today rife with suggestions that the £12 million package was set to collapse.

But Shackleton revealed: "Nobody has said anything to anybody about pulling out of the deal.

"As far as I am concerned there is no difference between the situation now and the situation last week."

He also denied that a deadline, seemingly set by Clarets chairman Frank Teasdale, had elapsed.

Shackleton claims to have the backing of a £750 million company which mines oil and minerals.

And his camp are still confident of pulling off the takeover.

But Shackleton's rival, Ray Ingleby, also retains a strong interest and was aware of suggestions that the deal was due to fold.

His right hand man, David Parry, said: "There were five men in Burnley who thought this would happen.

"Unfortunately they were all board members.

"Does it really need me to comment? The whole sorry saga speaks for itself.

"I would hope that it would lead them to want to talk once again."

Shackleton backers have also been involved in discussions with top Swiss side FC Basel which was sold last week.

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