We need to keep our deals quiet

The speculation has mounted over Blake since last weekend but Flood has made it clear that it is not in the club's best interests for news of targets to get out with all the subsequent speculation. "Leeds have just dropped down a league and I am sure within a few weeks Robbie would have gone somewhere else," Flood said.

"With strikers, one it gets mooted that they may be on the move, it invites others to join the hunt. Being able to keep it under wraps is therefore vital, otherwise you get competitive bids coming and the price spirals.

"It was probably the right time and the right place for us with this deal and we are delighted. Robbie is a proven entertainer and one of the top strikers in the Championship and we know he is always going to score goals, but the really important factor is that he's happy and keen to play for Burnley. We all know what he can do as a footballer and the deal we have done is a really good one for our club."

He also paid tribute to manager Steve Cotterill for his part in bringing this deal to completion. "It has been a very complicated deal because of the situation at Leeds, so it has taken a few weeks to resolve. But Steve has done a great job in trying to get the deal done.

"He has done all the hard work and I congratulate him for being careful with the club's money and trying to make sure we get good value."