TOMMY Miller is unlikely to be heading to Brann Bergen on loan.

The crack Norwegian outfit are hoping to utilise their close ties with Hartlepool United to lure the goalscoring midfielder and boost their chances of progressing into the Champions League through the qualifying rounds.

But the proposal - revealed in Thursday's Northern Echo Sport - is being held up because UEFA transfer regulations dictate that any player moving country has to do so for a minimum three-month period - and Pool chief Chris Turner is adamant his prize asset won't miss the start of Pool's Division Three campaign because he is on loan.

Pool and Brann have been in talks with their respective football associations, but UEFA rules come into play and aside from Pool handing Miller a free transfer to allow him to cross the North Sea, the deal won't go ahead.

Long-term loans are permitted across Europe - Robbie Keane moved to Leeds from Inter Milan last season - but the FA comfirmed to Pool yesterday that Miller could move to Brann for pre-season training but he won't be allowed to play in a competitive game.

Brann would love to buy Miller, but can't afford anything like the £1m asking price. Their only hope is if the proposed £3m transfer of ace marksman Thorstein Helstadt to Anderlecht goes ahead, which would clear the club's debts and give them some funds for the transfer market and launch a £1m move for the 22-year-old.

The Belgian side are hoping to hold talks with international front-runner and Newcastle target Helstadt after tomorrow's game with Viking Stavanger.

Turner would be happy for Miller to train with the Norwegians and he could be joined by a couple of Pool teammates as the Victoria Park outfit look to strengthen their association with the club.

Brann last night revealed that Brian Ross will join them for three days training early next month. Hartlepool-born midfielder Ross, who won the Young Player of the Year award in the same week he signed a two-year professional contract in May, will joined the pick of the Norwegian talent at their junior training camp from July 3-6.

If the training arrangement is successful, there is every chance that Pool could benefit when the Norwegian season ends in October in a similar deal to when Jan Ove Pedersen moved to Victoria Park for three months in 1997.

Miller is on holiday until Monday, June 25 - the day Brann director Arne Mller is claiming Miller will be heading to Norway.

The Shotton-born ace prefers to stay in England and try his luck at a higher level and Northern Echo Sport understands that four English clubs - two Premiership and two Division One sides - are ready to make moves for Miller during the summer.

Meanwhile, freed midfielder Lee Fitzpatrick is attracting interest from Cambridge United, while Andy Brownrigg could be about to sign for Northwich Victoria.

* Season-ticket sales at Victoria Park have already beaten last year's figure of 1,055. So far 1,185 tickets have been snapped up and fans have until 2pm this afternoon to buy their ticket at discounted rates.

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