YOUNG defender David Edgar will be among the new signings as Burnley begin their preparations for the Premier League today.

The 22-year-old penned a four-year deal after his Newcastle United contract expired yesterday, and will team up with his new Clarets colleagues when players return for pre-season training at Gawthorpe this morning.

Among them will be fellow newcomers Tyrone Mears and Steven Fletcher, who smashed the club’s transfer record when he completed a £3million move from Hibernian on Tuesday night.

It was third time lucky for manager Owen Coyle in landing Edgar, following two previous loan attempts for the 6ft 2ins Canadian centre half.

“I think he knew from day one we liked him; he’s coming to a club that’s on the up with a group of players that are hungry,” said the Burnley boss of Edgar.

“We’re getting a young, talented centre back that’s looking to improve and take his game on.

“He’s at the right age, with Premier League experience - albeit a bit stop-start - but he’s been at a club like Newcastle trying to get ahead of defenders who are valued at £8m-£10m.

“He’s scored on a couple of occasions too - against Manchester United and Liverpool no less, and he’s one that’s only going to get better.”

His agent, Barry MacLean told Ontario newspaper The Record: “I’d say he’s pretty happy.

”We are looking for him to play regularly at this stage of his career.

”For him to play regular first-team football is critical for him.”

Edgar’s father Eddie played in goal for Newcastle and Hartlepool before emigrating.