TALKS were going on at the Reebok today to break the Peter Beardsley deadlock.

The former England star, who has been granted a free transfer by Wanderers, has completed his maximum three months' loan at Second Division Fulham. But Cottagers boss Kevin Keegan says he can't afford to sign him permanently because of his wages.

Beardsley, who has played only 21 games for Wanderers since his £500,000 transfer from Newcastle in August last year, is looking for a compromise over the remainder of his contract at the Reebok, which expires next summer

"There's still some negotiating to be done," Wanderers boss Colin Todd said.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent, who says he has money available for new signings after being restricted to seven free transfers since he took charge at Turf Moor in the summer, plans to speak to Todd about buying Gavin Ward.

The much-travelled Bolton keeper plays the final game of his three month loan spell with the Clarets at home to Stoke tonight.

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