BURNLEY boss Adrian Heath watched the vast array of continental talent on show in round one of Euro 96 and said: "If it were possible to sign players of that stature, I would jump at the chance."

He knows most European stars are much too far up the football ladder to consider a move to Burnley. But one or two lesser names could be open to persuasion - with a little help from the Bosman ruling.

The manager says he will be looking for either young up-and-coming players or ones who are looking to end their careers in England.

Heath, who recently renewed his continental contacts with a scouting trip to Spain, has had his attention drawn to two Croatian squad members who currently play for Spanish clubs: defenders Nicola Jerkan and Dubravko Pavlicic.

Jerkan, 32, has been playing for Real Oviedo and is available on a free transfer, while Pavlicic, 28, is out of contract with his club, second-division Hercules.

Transfer negotiations continued at Turf Moor this week after Heath returned from holiday, but he said he had not spoken to anyone about the two Croatians.

However, he has been speaking to Norwich midfielder Jeremy Goss and an unnamed young premiership defender, who could become Heath's first signing, although the fee may have to be decided at a tribunal. He will hold more talks with Goss tomorrow (Friday).

ZFormer Burnley manager Jimmy Mullen is in the frame for the vacant manager's job at third division Scarborough. Mullen is being interviewed today (Thursday), and he appears to be the favourite after Dave Hodgson and John Ward both rejected the post last week.

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