Burnley could have snapped up Chelsea star Michael Essien - for 60 quid a week!

Clarets owner Brendan Flood revealed the amazing own goal in his new book.

Flood said: "I discovered Michael Essien had been on trial here for a few days. One of the best players in the World Cup - and we hadn't signed him.

"The club policy meant we wouldn't pay an apprentice more than 60 quid a week.

"It smacked me in the face that the problem was a lack of communication within the club that stopped our youth guys making an exception to the rule."