Rumour Mill- Maradona,Stead & Cole

Three players could be on their way to Burnley before the end of the January Transfer window if the rumours in the Sunday People are true

The January transfer window closes on Thursday this week, with the Clarets still having added only one player to the squad so far (Stan Varga on loan). Speculation has been rife these past few weeks that we could be bringing Derek Riordan, Barry Robson, Alan Lee and Glenn Whelan to Turf Moor but none of these deals have been realised to date although specualtion stil continues. How refreshing it is therefore today, to finally hear some new names being linked with the club.

Today the Sunday People have mentioned three new names linked with the Clarets.

The most familar face will be Andy Cole, now 36 and plying his trade for Sunderland. The England International has been well travelled in his career with Arsenal, Manchester United and Blackbutn probably being the three teams he has been most closley associated with although he has also played for Bristol City, Newcastle,Fulham,Manchester City, Portsmouth and Birmingham (Loan)before signing for Sunderland on a free transfer last year on a one-year contract. It is now speculated that Owen Coyle is ready to offer Andy Cole a loan deal until the end of the season, perhaps bring back memories to Clarets fans of the deals that saw legends Ian Wright and Paul Gascoigne sign for the Clarets.

Another former, Blackburn Rovers player linked with a move is Jon Stead. Over the years we have often been linked with this player, but this is the first time under new gaffer, Owen Coyle. The 24-year old currently plays for Sheffield United signing from Sunderland in January 2007 in a £750,000 deal involving add-ons

He has completed one year of his 3.5 year contract for the Blades and it is understood that the Sheffield club could be willing to offload the player for £1.25 million. Plymouth are also understood to be interested in the striker and winger.

Argentine left-winger, Marcello Carrusca is the last name to be linked and if true, potentially the most exciting.

The 24 year old currenly plays for Turkish side, Galatasaray after joining them in July 2006 from Argentine club, Estudiantes de La Plata. He was also an Argentina U-20 International.

It is understood that the Clarets wish to sign him on loan in the first instance, with the possibility of a permanent signing should we get promoted.

Famously, this is the player that Maradona once described as being the next one to be him! The New Maradona