PLAYER-chief Adrian Heath (pictured) was planning to bring a Portuguese striker to Turf Moor today.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph can reveal that Heath has spent the past four days attempting to iron out a deal for the 20-year-old youth international.

Now, if discussions bear further fruit, Heath could have his first major signing in the bag before the end of June.

The Turf Moor boss was keeping the identity of the player firmly under wraps as talks continued today.

At least two Premiership clubs have tracked the player since March, so Heath faces ferocious competition to complete his first signing since landing the Turf Moor post exactly three months ago.

There would be no doubt though that his signature would be a major coup for Heath if he can persuade such a promising talent to move to Burnley.

The stumbling block over any future deal appears to be the club's reluctance to let the player leave to pursue a career in England.

But I understand he will be out of contract in the near future and would then be able to move.

Heath's recent scouting trips to the continent underline the quality of players he is looking for as he attempts to put the Clarets back on track after two years of relative disappointment.

He explained: "The player in question is a very fine talent and a player I've pursued for a number of weeks now.

"I've spoken at length with him and I think I've sold Burnley Football Club to him.

"The main thing is that he wants to play for Burnley and is keen to come to this country and play his football.

"I will be working very hard over the next few days to try and tie up the deal and then I will be in a position to name names."

Meanwhile, Burnley have had to delay announcing their dates for the pre-season tour to Northern Ireland next month.

Burnley are due to play at least three fixtures in the province, but the dates have clashed with Liverpool's pre-season tour.

Heath explained: "It is a busy schedule for the teams we want to play because Liverpool are out there at the same time.

"We will still be in Northern Ireland from around July 27 to August 2, but we are not yet in a position to announce the dates we will be playing until the Irish sides confirm their dates with Liverpool."

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