The 23-year-old Partisan Belgrade midfielder was granted his work permit today, leaving Wanderers waiting for just international clearance before completing the record-equalling £1.5 million transfer.

They still face a race to complete the formalities before tomorrow's 12 noon deadline but Burnden boss Roy McFarland says he is hopeful of having Curcic in his midfield for Monday's Sky TV showdown with Arsenal.

"He will train with us on Saturday and we hope he's in good condition because we plan to have him available for Monday as a replacement for Richard Sneekes, who is suspended," McFarland said.

Wanderers have had travel arrangements in place for Curcic all week in anticipation of completing the formalities, which were delayed because of complications dealing with the former Yugoslavia.

"Everything has been done as quickly as possible but because of problems involving Yugoslavia, other departments in addition to the Department of Employment have had to look at the work permit application," Burnden chief executive Des McBain explained.

Curcic's work permit had to be collected by hand today from the Overseas Labour Service in Sheffield before the player could be allowed into the country.

The deal, which equals the club record set when Wanderers signed Gerry Taggart from Barnsley in the summer, takes the club's spending to £4.6 million since promotion to the Premiership but certainly doesn't end the recruitment drive. McFarland and Colin Todd are known to have the cash available and are actively pursuing more signings in a bid to fashion a side that can pull away from the relegation zone. By GORDON SHARROCK

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