Burnley keen to finalise US link

Burnley keen to finalise US link

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Burnley officials will head to the US later this week to finalise plans for a tie-up with a professional club.

The Clarets want to tap into a growing pool of talent in the country as football increases in popularity.

"Essentially it's a collaboration," Burnley chairman Barry Kilby told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We would be involved in the running of the club and would hopefully have first choice on players coming through, which would be an advantage."

The Turf Moor chairman feels it is a good time to broaden their search for players, particularly with increased interest in the game in the US.

"Grassroots football in America is really beginning to take hold," said Kilby.

"This fits in with our strategy of selecting certain regional areas for concentrating our search for young players.

"Now is the time to get on the ground floor before other people get in there."

Major League Soccer has increased its appeal since its inception in 1996.

The league currently consists of 14 teams, with expansion franchises due to begin in Seattle and Philadelphia in the next couple of years.

"This has been six months in the planning and hopefully we can come back with our partner when we come back next week," added Kilby.

"We're after a large catchment area which is largely untapped by other European teams.

"Yes, we are interested primarily in the talent which is over there, but also there are merchandising opportunities so it's an exciting proposition for us."

Meanwhile, Burnley have agreed to play two pre-season friendlies against United Soccer League sides in July.

The Clarets kick-off their tour against Austin Aztex, who are managed by former Burnley boss Adrian Heath, on 9 July 9.

They round off the trip against Minnesota Thunder six days later and are hoping to arrange another game in between.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burnley/7434566.stm