OWEN Coyle would have to match Burnley’s transfer record to bring powerhouse defender Andre Bikey to Turf Moor.

The Clarets boss is believed to be interested in the Cameroon international, whose last competitive game ended in drama when he was sent off in stoppage time of their play-off semi-final first leg against the Clarets last season.

Although the fiery Reading stopper is in the last year of his contract, I understand there is a £3million clause that would have to be met before the Cameroon international is allowed to hold talks with another club.

That figure would match the fee paid for Hibernian hotshot Steven Fletcher in the summer, when the record set by last year’s £1m-plus arrivals Martin Paterson and Chris Eagles was smashed.

And although the Clarets have saved money by bringing pacy winger Fernando Guerrero in on an initial 12-month loan, with a view to buy, it is questionable whether sufficient funds are available for Bikey.

However, there is no doubt that the 24-year-old would be a key addition to the squad, although he may first have to make peace with Robbie Blake. For it was Bikey’s stamp on the influential forward that led to his stoppage-time red card against the Clarets, while tearing his shirt off in protest before eventually leaving the field led to a five-game ban, of which he has now served three, and a charge of improper conduct. He had moments earlier conceded the penalty which led to Burnley taking a 1-0 lead in the second leg.

Bikey, who joined Reading from Lokomotiv Moscow in April 2007 after a season-long loan, was linked with a summer move to Marseille in June. And at the time he didn’t appear averse to a move away from the Madejski Stadium after missing out on promotion last term.

“I am flattered by the interest from French champions Marseille, as anyone would be,” he told Sky Sports.

“I would like to play in the Champions League and Marseille is in there.

“Hopefully I will talk with Reading and see what their plans are for me. I was disappointed we did not go up to the Premier League, but let’s see.”