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Burnley FC target Holden set for trial with Coyle
By Chris Boden
Clarets Correspondent
BURNLEY are set to miss out on one transfer target after the departure of Owen Coyle.
USA international Stuart Holden will now link up with Coyle at Bolton for a trial, after a short spell with the Clarets ended in confusion.
The Houston Dynamo attacking midfielder flew in ahead of the MK Dons game, with Coyle ready to run the rule over him in training.
Dynamo chief operating officer Chris Canetti said last weekend: "Stuart is going on trial with Burnley. That means he will train with them and play in some of their reserve games. The manager will then decide if he wants to sign him."
And Holden was with the Burnley squad at stadiummk as the Clarets moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win.
However, with the players given Monday off, and training cancelled due to the weather on Tuesday - amid Coyle's decision to leave - training was restricted to indoor sessions at the Powerleague Superdome in Shadsworth for the remainder of the week.
Saturday's Premier League game with Stoke on Saturday also fell victim to the ice and snow, and I understand Holden's aborted trial at Burnley will now enable Coyle to move back in for the 24-year-old Aberdeen-born star.
Holden, who had also been linked with Blackburn Rovers, is out of contract in the MLS and available to move on a free transfer.
He is eager to play at the top level in England, to enhance his prospects of making the plane for the World Cup in South Africa - where the US will take on England - and Coyle could now move to make him one of his first signings at the Reebok Stadium, should he impress.
Holden holds duel British and US citizenship, making him a prime target for Premier League clubs.
