Grant Says No Go, Fletcher Says I Stay!

Clarets striker, Steven Fletcher has once more committed himself to Burnley FC despite reported interest from Premier League Clubs.

'It's up to the clubs, if they can come to an agreement, but I've got three years left and I'm happy where I am,' he told the Lancashire Telegraph

Wolves had been linked with a move for Fletcher although it can be confirmed that no official bids from Molineux have been received. Speculation that a £5 million offer from Mick McCarthy had been recieved for the 23 year old Scottish international possibly involving keeper, Wayne Hennessey coming the other way on a season-long loan would appear to be wide of the mark. Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has also stated that Fletcher is not on their wanted list.

Media reports this week also suggested that Birmingham were preparing a £6 million bid for Fletcher after failing to capture Fulham striker, Bobby Zamora plus it is understood that Owen Coyle would also be interested in bringing his former player to the Reebok.

It seems a common ritual these days for players to come out and say they are committed to a club but we all know in the real world that money talks.

Burnley though have stipulated that they don't need to sell players in the close season. That may be true but every player has his price and it is understood that the club values Fletcher to be worth £7 million.

Clarets fans will remember last season the tenacity and determination of Brian Laws to keep Marcus Tudgay at Sheffield Wednesday despite strong interest from newly-promoted Premier League club,Burnley. Brian Laws reputation will be significantly enhanced if he can show the same resolve and success by keeping Fletcher on our books for the start of 2010-11.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Burnley this season have been strongly linked to another Sheffield Wednesday player, this time keeper Lee Grant and again the circumstances are similar to Tudgay but this time the boot is on Laws' other foot!!

Both clubs have of course been relegated this season with Brian Laws being a factor in both cases! League 1 Wednesday though may this time be more willing to sell their players in view of their financial predicament.

That may be the case but Lee Grant has come out with similar statements to Fletcher expressing a wish to stay with his current club.

'As far as I am concerned, I've still got two more seasons on my contract so until someone tells me otherwise that is what I will be concentrating on,' Grant told the Sheffield Star.

'I am fully focused on getting fit and ready to play a big part in a winning team next year.

'I'm concentrating on getting ready for pre-season training and leading the charge in League One.'

"There will be no transfer requests or sulking from me," he added.

So there we have it, one player we want to stay and one player we want to come both digging in their heels and both involving the negotiating skills of Brian Laws!

One thing is clear, players say one thing, money says another!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.