Clarets boss Brian Laws has been put on alert after it emerged that Cardiff City striker Ross McCormack has been made available on loan.

The Bluebirds have sparked a tug-of-war for highly-rated McCormack’s services, according to the player’s agent, following their high-profile capture of Craig Bellamy and Laws could be among those queueing up to snatch the Scotland international.

Laws has already made a move in the loan market this summer, luring England U21 international midfielder Jack Cork back to Turf Moor last week for a 12-month stint.

And while admitting to being content with his squad’s strength in depth, the Burnley manager remains keen on adding further firepower to his attacking ranks.

Earlier this summer, he missed out on signing Billy Sharp when the Yorkshire-based forward switched from Sheffield United to Doncaster Rovers.

But despite that setback, Laws is continuing to closely monitor the striker market and McCormack, regarded as one of the Championship’s leading front men, may fit the bill.

The Clarets are understood to be among the club’s alerted to McCormack’s availability, with Derby, Leeds and Ipswich also believed to be showing an interest in the 24-year-old Scot.

McCormack joined Cardiff from Motherwell for £125,000 in the summer of 2008 and scored 23 goals in a prolific debut season.

The Welsh club turned down a reported £3.5m bid from Hull last year, before an injury-hit campaign saw McCormack score just four times as he was often deployed in a wide role by Cardiff manager Dave Jones.

After snapping up Bellamy on a season-long loan from Manchester City on Tuesday, Jones is now understood to be offering McCormack a temporary spell away from Cardiff in a bid to give him regular first-team football.

McCormack’s agent, Willie McKay, has confirmed that the player is set to leave the Bluebirds.

”Just 12 months ago, Cardiff rejected offers of over £3million for Ross and now they are willing to let him leave on loan,” said McKay.

"Ross had a great first season for Cardiff, but last season was blighted by injuries and the fact that he was played out wide rather than as a central striker.

"Ross is now fully fit and raring to go and Dave Jones has been great as he has allowed us to speak to interested clubs and that is what we are doing now.

"Unfortunately Ross has been messed about by a few interested teams, but Ross just wants to go out and play football whether it is a permanent deal or a loan move.

"Ross is a proven goalscorer for club and country and whoever ends up getting him will be getting a great signing as he will help them challenge for honours."