BURNLEY player-chief Adrian Heath (pictured) hopes to have three new signings on board for the start of pre-season training on July 8.

Heath confirmed today that he has spoken to a First Division midfielder and a Premiership defender following another busy round of telephone discussions over the past 24 hours.

And the Turf Moor boss is working on a major deal to bring his 21-year-old Portuguese target over to England.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed exclusive pictures of the tall striker on Saturday and now Heath is hoping to tie up a deal in time for the start of Burnley's Second Division campaign.

"The player is very hungry to join us and I'm very hopeful that he will," revealed Heath.

"He has returned to Portugal but I am due to speak with him again this week when I hope further progress can be made.

"I believe we have sold Burnley to him and he was mightily impressed with what he saw and the plans we have for Burnley.

"The main thing is that he is very keen to come to Burnley and play his football with us."

The Burnley target is obviously very highly rated as he has attracted interest from at least two Premiership clubs - so Heath's decision to keep his identity firmly under wraps is understandable.

Heath, who also has the domestic market firmly under the microscope, added: "The time is now arriving when players' contracts are expiring and the transfer market will begin to burst into life. Burnley want to be in the middle of that.

"I am closing in on at least two targets. Ideally, I would like to have at least three new faces at the club for the start of pre-season training."

Meanwhile, Heath will spend the next few days convalescing after a successful operation to repair his injured ankle.

"The ankle is a little bit sore and bruised, but I'm very hopeful that the surgery will have done the trick," he added.

"The problem with the floating bone in my ankle has troubled me for several months now and has disrupted my fitness."

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