Brian Doogan reports from Turf Moor

CLARETS manager Adrian Heath is waiting for a response from Dutch club Heerenveen about the availability of central defender Mel Schoenmakers.

And if the feedback is positive, he could have the Dutchman on contract for the remainder of the season.

Heath is anxious to ensure there is sufficient cover in defence after on-loan Doug Hodgson, the big Aussie centre half, shattered his cheekbone in Saturday's Notts County game, sidelining him for two to three months.

Should any hitch develop in the negotiations with Heerenveen, Heath is ready to deal with a First Division club - whom he says he has already spoken to - about an alternative centre half.

"I've already spoken to a First Division club about a centre half but if Schoenmakers is made available I won't be pursuing that avenue," said Heath.

"I don't want to get into a position where I pounce for this First Division player and then Schoenmakers becomes an option for the rest of the season. "We won't be bringing both to Turf Moor.

"I've already got Peter Swan, Jamie Hoyland and Chris Brass who can play in that position so it would not make sense to sign two further central defenders.

"Basically, I'm waiting for Heerenveen to get back to me and I'm hoping the news is positive."

Meanwhile Jesus Seba, one of Wigan's "Three Amigos" released recently from Springfield Park, is available for Burnley's reserve match against Stockport County tonight at Turf Moor.

There had been a hold-up in gaining clearance from his former club but everything has now been sorted.

"Seba has been down in training with us and has been doing well," said Heath. "We've got to weigh the pros and cons up first before sitting down and negotiating any sort of contract.

"He's going to be with us now at least till this weekend and tonight will be a good indicator of what he can offer us."

Heath revealed that while on holiday in Spain two weeks ago he spoke to former Barcelona manager Johann Cruyff who is a fan of the former Zaragoza player.

While he was boss at the Nou Camp, Cruyff tried to buy Seba but his efforts were repeatedly blocked.

Cruyff backed Seba to make a big impact when he finally settles at an English club.

"He couldn't believe he hasn't been a hit already but he added that Seba would be a valuable asset to any club," said Heath.

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