Burnley Transfer Dossier: Premier League Experience Can Shore Up Clarets' Survival Hopes

Burnley's promotion from the Championship with a squad of just 23 players was rightfully recognised as a marvellous achievement by Sean Dyche and his side. The club shook off the loss of Charlie Austin last summer, and their status in England's top flight should ensure they avoid similar losses to their ranks this summer.

But with a squad low on numbers and Premier League experience, the Clarets cannot afford to rest on their laurels over the coming months. Dyche and co must act quickly and effectively to ensure their squad is equipped for the battle to come.

Business so far

Burnley's first piece of business this summer has been securing the future of Daniel Lafferty, who has penned a new three year contract at Turf Moor, while the club are also still in negotiations with the trio of Michael Duff, Luke O'Neil and Junior Stanislas.

Amongst those released by the club include David Edgar, who was part of the Clarets squad last time they ventured into the top flight, Keith Tracey, Nick Liversedge and Brian Stock.

What they need

Numbers, quite simply. The limited squad, minus those four releases, leaves Dyche and his recruitment team with a busy few months ahead if they wish to cope with the demands of Premier League football. In Danny Ings and Sam Vokes they have a strike partnership that contributed 41 goals between them last season but it is one that lacks experience in the top flight.

Dyche's side boasted the best defensive record in the Championship last season but the presence of at least one more centre-half is a must.

Who could join

Burnley are believed to be one of a clutch of clubs chasing Hull City's Matty Fryatt. The forward has reportedly been offered a new deal at the KC but the presence of Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic ahead of him in the pecking order could convince him to consider the Clarets.

Republic of Ireland international Stephen Ward has also been linked with the Lancashire club given Kenny Jackett's desire to rebuild Wolves, and his versatility, coupled with Premier League experience, could prove useful.

Nicklas Bendtner's availability could tempt Dyche, although a move for the erratic Dane would be fraught with risk and promise in equal measure.

Who could leave

Dyche has stressed that he is not looking to replace anyone in this squad this summer - the dearth of options available to him suggests retaining players could be just as significant as brining new ones in.

Both Danny Ings and Kieran Trippier have just one year left on their contract, and while the former was linked with a move elsewhere during the 2013/14 season, he is unlikely to seek a new challenge given what lies ahead at Turf Moor.

What the manager has said

"With us, it's more building a group. It's not whether they're going to play or not, it's whether the challenge of the group can bring the best out of each other moving forward, and that really is just simple facts" Dyche has said.

"We haven't got big numbers, and a few have gone now so we've got less numbers.

"So we have to strengthen no matter what, but not necessarily to replace people, just to add to the group and add to the power of the group."