BURY skipper Nick Daws looks set to stay at Gigg Lane after former boss Stan Ternent ruled out a big money bid.

Speculation about an imminent transfer deal involving the long-serving midfielder heightened when Ternent was spotted at Gigg Lane on a scouting mission.

But the Burnley manager, whose team are flying high in Division One, ruled out a move for the Shakers stalwart at the weekend, a bid which would've had to be in excess of £250,000 to be successful.

Ternent said: "I've been here two and a half years and I think if I was going to sign him I would have done it by now.

"The midfield is not a priority at the moment."

That much is certainly true with the Clarets full to bursting in the middle of the park, with ex-Sunderland star Kevin Ball in dominating form alongside Mickey Mellon and Paul Cook. Competition is so hot even former Shakers favourite Lennie Johnrose is out in the cold.

If the Burnley boss is true to his word it will end years of speculation as Daws has been linked with a move to the Clarets ever since Ternent took over three years ago.

But it is good news for Shakers fans as the captain has been in terrific form all season. He says he is now enjoying his football again and it is showing. Daws was unlucky not to get a hat-trick during his man of the match performance against Luton on Saturday.

When told of the Burnley boss' comments, Bury manager Andy Preece said: "Stan Ternent has got plenty of midfielders and he's obviously not interested.

"Daws has been doing alright lately and on another day he could have scored a few against Luton."

The Bury boss also revealed that he was being forced to wait for international clearance before young Partick Thistle striker Robert Dunn was allowed to play in a reserve match.

As soon as Preece has seen the 21-year-old he will make a decision on whether or not to sign him.

One man he won't be offering a contract to is Icelandic international goalkeeper Gunnleifur Gunnleifsson, who was on trial with the Shakers with a view to a permanent transfer.

However Preece said: "He played in a behind closed doors and to be honest he wasn't that clever."