BURNLEY have been forced to abandon their interest in Newcastle United goalkeeper Fraser Forster and turn their attentions elsewhere, for the time being at least.

Manager Brian Laws had been hoping to sign the 22-year-old on a season-long loan from the newly promoted Magpies to put pressure on Brian Jensen for the gloves as the Clarets bid to mount another promotion assault.

But Newcastle have been forced to put the brakes on any deal because of injury concerns among their own goalkeeping ranks, with Dutch stopper Tim Krul thought to be struggling.

That means Laws could revisit his interest in Preston number one Andy Lonergan.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Turf Moor around the time that former North End team-mate Ross Wallace made the switch earlier this month.

However, Forster, who kept 21 clean sheets in 42 games while on loan at League One champions Norwich City last season, remained Laws’ primary target, until yesterday.

Last Wednesday the Clarets boss had held productive talks with the Hexham-born youngster, who admitted he was open to another long-term temporary move.

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton expressed his concerns that Forster might not be guaranteed first team football, which was one of the reasons for the delay in agreeing a deal.

But the decision has been taken out of both parties hands due to injury worries at St James’ Park.

“It’s no secret that we are looking to bring in another goalkeeper and I think most people are aware that Fraser Forster was our target. "However, unfortunately due to an injury at Newcastle it’s not possible to move that on at the moment,” said Laws, who is preparing his squad for the first of three friendlies on their tour of Singapore, against Gombak United today (kick-off 10am BST).

“Clearly we understand Newcastle’s predicament and they can’t let Fraser leave until they have assessed that situation.

“We are waiting to see how that develops but clearly we may have to look at alternatives to strengthen our goalkeeping area with the new season less than three weeks away.”

Should Laws go in for Lonergan he is likely to meet strong resistance from rivals North End, after the Lilywhites were left reeling by the loss of Wallace, in a deal thought to be worth £1m.

Lonergan has already been targeted by West Brom, prompting a stern reaction from Preston manager Darren Ferguson.

“Andy won’t be going anywhere, it is as simple as that. "He is the sort of player you want to build your team around rather than lose,” he said.

“There will be speculation as there are rumours that we are struggling financially, but we can’t sell Andy Lonergan.

“For me he is the best goalkeeper in the Championship, and he is very happy here.”

Brian Jensen is the only senior goalkeeper on tour with the Clarets, as Diego Penny has stayed behind due to a thigh problem.

Youth team goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson has teamed up with the squad to provide back-up for the Dane.