Football
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Burnley sign free agent Matt Gilks

Burnley have announced the signing of former Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks.

The Scotland international, 32, has agreed a two-year deal with the Clarets, subject to Premier League and Football Association approval.

He had previously been a free agent following his departure from Blackpool, for whom he was an ever-present in the Championship last term.

Gilks had been with the Tangerines since 2008, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2010 and featuring during their one-season stay in the division.

He began his career with his home-town club Rochdale and has also spent time with Norwich and, on loan from Blackpool, at Shrewsbury.

Gilks will link up with his new teammates on Burnley's return to pre-season training later this week.

He is the second player the Turf Moor outfit have signed since they secured their return to the Premier League at the end of 2013-14, with winger Michael Kightly, captured on a permanent deal from Stoke after a loan stint, having been the first.

The Clarets also announced on Wednesday that long-serving defender Michael Duff -- the only remaining player at the club from their last top-flight season in 2009-10 -- has agreed a new one-year deal.

It will take the 36-year-old Northern Ireland international into an 11th campaign with the north-west side.

In a statement confirming the news, Burnley added of Duff: "The veteran defender recently completed his Pro Licence coaching badges, but the new deal does not, as reported, include a coaching role."

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