PAUL Weller's future is back in the balance after West Ham decided not to make a bid for the Burnley midfielder.

Weller spent last week training with the Hammers and played in two friendlies.

But the Premiership outfit has informed Burnley boss Stan Ternent that they will not be looking to follow up their interest.

That leaves the out-of-contract Weller in limbo as he is not being considered for first-team duty at Turf Moor after turning down a new three-year deal.

He has other irons in the fire, including the option to move abroad, but it seems a shame that he doesn't see his future with Burnley - even if it means accepting less money than he would like in the short term.

Weller would be an immediate contender for a place in the Burnley side.

And at this stage of his career the 23-year-old would surely benefit from regular first-team football with the prospect of an enhanced deal in the pipeline if Burnley taste success.

Ternent would like Weller to stay but will not improve the terms currently on offer.

"The ball's in his court," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.