Coyle snubs Riordan rumours

Manager wants to sign stars quickly

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 5th July 2008

Derek Riordan Celtic

Riordan: Tasty Claret?

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Burnley boss Owen Coyle insists he has not tabled an offer for Derek Riordan and may look elsewhere to bolster his squad.

Coyle is a huge admirer of the out-of-favour Celtic forward and has been linked with a summer swoop.

Riordan, 25, was offered in a deal by the Scottish champions when they attempted to sign Kyle Lafferty, before the striker opted for a move to Old Firm rivals Rangers instead.

There was also speculation of a move to Turf Moor back in January, with a reported £400,000 bid rejected.

No contact

But Coyle, who has added at least four new faces to his squad already, has played down rumours that Riordan will join the Championship side and said there has been no contact with Celtic since Lafferty left for Gers.

"It's been well-documented that I'm an admirer of Derek Riordan," the Clarets chief told BBC Radio Scotland.

"He was mentioned in the deal for Kyle Lafferty, but I haven't spoken to Celtic since Kyle went to Rangers.

"We are known to be admirers of him, but I want my players at Burnley and I want them now.

Move on

"It might very well be that, if there is a deal to be done with any player, then we move on.

"If you go after a target and you can't get him, you have to move quickly somewhere else - and that's the way we operate," the former St Johnstone boss added.