UNSETTLED Cherries striker Wes Thomas could be set for an imminent Dean Court exit - with Burnley believed to be among his potential suitors.

The Clarets are said to be one of a number of Championship clubs monitoring the situation of the former Crawley Town frontman.

Daily Echo sources this morning suggested that Burnley were close to launching a bid for the 26-year-old forward.

Sky Sports subsequently reported that the Clarets had tabled an offer, which the Turf Moor outfit denied, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

And while Cherries boss Eddie Howe said he was currently unaware of any bids for Thomas, it does appear that his Dean Court career could be nearing an end.

Thomas was left out of the Cherries squad for the League One victory over Hartlepool last night amid continued speculation surrounding his future.

Speaking after the 2-1 win, Howe said: “We will wait and see what happens with Wes.

“There is interest in him and I think he has a desire to go. If he doesn't then we will review the situation.”

Burnley, Blackpool, Blackburn, Birmingham, Huddersfield, Derby and Watford are among the clubs to have been linked with Thomas during the January transfer window.

Blackburn boss Michael Appleton, who has already managed Thomas during loan stints with both Portsmouth and Blackpool this term, is reported to be considering a bid to reunite with the frontman.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: “I have got the green light to pursue certain players. Whether they get over the line or not is another question. We will be working our socks off to make sure it happens. We need three or four new faces to give everyone a lift.”

Thomas, who has 18 months to run on his Dean Court contract, is understood to have cost Cherries around £175,000 when he joined from Crawley.

Meanwhile, Howe reported that Cherries had injury concerns over Charlie Daniels (foot), Simon Francis (hamstring), Eunan O'Kane and Josh McQuoid (both calf) following the win at Hartlepool.

But Howe says he will only consider recalling versatile Jon Meades from his loan at AFC Wimbledon if he needs him to play an active role in the team.