Bikey joins Burnley

Burnley have signed Reading defender Andre Bikey on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.c

Burnley have signed Reading defender Andre Bikey on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old could make his debut against Manchester United in the Clarets’ first Barclays Premier League home fixture tomorrow.

Because of a technicality, the Cameroon international’s four-match ban - imposed after his sending-off against Burnley in last season’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg – will be completed tonight when Reading play Swansea.

Burnley's defence has been depleted by injuries to captain Steven Caldwell and Michael Duff and although David Edgar returns from suspension there are still gaps to fill.

Bikey, for whom the Clarets are believed to have paid about £2.8m, therefore comes into the reckoning.

“Steven Caldwell’s still got little or no chance, Michael Duff’s still out, but David Edgar is in contention,” manager Owen Coyle told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“There’s a few bumps and bruises and a couple of boys missed training yesterday morning, but I expect them to be up and training today ahead of the game.

“The skipper’s getting better, but he’s not in contention for the United game, and it’s a blow because he’s been outstanding for us.

“Hopefully he might have a chance for Sunday against Everton but we’ll just have to wait and see.”