One Saints player whose departure could generate funds for another foray into the transfer market is striker Leon Best.

The Nottingham-born 20 year-old has turned down the club's offer of a new contract and is believed to be on the verge of signing for Saints' Championship rivals Coventry.

As he is under 23, Saints will be entitled to a compensation fee for his training and development.

Burley is expecting Saints to be fully compensated - with the club receiving at least the amount they got for Cranie.

"We will have to see if Leon Best goes. At the moment it looks like he might go," the manager said.

"We had a fair valuation for Martin Cranie and if Leon Best goes we will be looking for a fair figure or it will be decided by a tribunal."

Whatever fee Saints get for Best, part of it - believed to be around 10 per cent - goes to Notts County as part of the deal which saw the striker leave the Magpies in the summer of 2003.

Meanwhile, Saints have been linked with a £750,000 move for Birmingham City midfielder Stephem Clemence. The son of ex-England star Ray made 31 Championship starts for the Blues last season.