Hughes admits Burnley hunting Hibs star Fletcher for £3.5 million

Published on Monday 29 June 2009 09:59

HIBS boss John Hughes today admitted English Premier League side Burnley are on the trail of Easter Road striker Steven Fletcher with, it is claimed, a bid worth £3.5 million.

Hughes was on holiday in Florida when Turf Moor manager Owen Coyle called him to alert him to the newly-promoted club's interest in the 22-year-old Scotland hitman.

And having returned from the States last night, Hughes will meet today with chairman Rod Petrie and chief executive Scott Lindsay to discuss the situation amid reports Burnley are prepared to table a bid ultimately worth 3.5m.

Hughes is already on the record as saying he wants to sit down with Fletcher to discuss his future and, although he hasn't yet had the opportunity to do so, he insisted he'd be delighted if the star reported back for pre-season training with the rest of the squad on Thursday.

He said: "Owen called to give me the heads up that there's an interest there. He asked me about Fletch and I told him he can compete, he's good in the air, quick and when he gets the ball on that left foot he always hits the target.

"Having been travelling yesterday I need to get up to date not only with what's happening regarding Fletch but a number of things so I'll be meeting the chairman and chief executive today to discuss a range of matters."

Hughes admitted he'd dearly love to see Fletcher walk through the doors of Hibs' East Mains Training Centre on Thursday morning, saying: "To see him there would give me a right good spring in my step.

"I am a great admirer of Fletch and I'd love to have the opportunity to work with him. I am a manager and a coach and I work with the players at my disposal. But I also understand football is a business and Hibs run a very good business."

With a predicted move from new Celtic boss Tony Mowbray for Fletcher having failed to materialise, Burnley are said to have stepped in with an initial offer of 2.75m plus additional payments, rising to 3.5m although, with the player under contract for another four years, Hibs would prefer to see the downpayment increased before concluding any deal.

Although Hibs fans would be disappointed to see Fletcher depart, they have been aware for some months that it would only be a matter of time before he left and the fact he'd be moving south rather than to either side of the Old Firm, unlike so many of his former team-mates would, at least, ease the pain.

But, while Fletcher's future was again the centre of intense speculation, former Falkirk midfielder Patrick Cregg was today expected to become Hughes' first signing although the Hibs boss was less forthcoming on reports linking him with moves for Bairns goalkeeper Dani Mallo and Kevin McBride.

He said: "The goalkeeping position is certainly one we are looking at and there are a number of things we are looking at although I believe we already have a good squad here and every one of them will be given their chance."