BURNLEY midfielder Scott Arfield is a target for MLS clubs to make him Canada's biggest home-based star.

Vancouver Whitecaps​ and Montreal Impact ​have shown strong interest in making him a 'designated player' for the 2018 season.

5 Scott Arfield could be on his way to the MLS Credit: Reuters

​​As the only Canada international in the Premier League, both clubs are keen on snapping him up as a free agent, with his current contract at Turf Moor set to expire this summer.

The 29-year-old is yet to agree a fresh deal to stay with the Clarets and had West Ham tracking him during the last transfer window along with a number of other Prem clubs.

Hammers boss David Moyes had wanted him during his spell at Sunderland but now faces competition from the MLS to get him without a fee in the summer.

Arfield chose to play for Canada over Scotland, where he was born, and having him on home soil would be a massive coup for Vancouver or Montreal.

5 Vancouver Whitecaps​ and Montreal Impact are looking at the Burnley star Credit: Getty Images

5 The 29-year-old is yet to agree a fresh deal to stay with the Clarets and had West Ham tracking him during the last transfer window Credit: Reuters

A ‘designated player’ in the team’s squad is paid above their salary cap.

For example, Toronto's Michael Bradley earns £4.3million in wages and team-mate Jozy Altidore picks up £3.5m - Jermain Defoe was also a previous 'designated player' at the club.

As a Premier League star, Arfield can expect to be among the highest-earners at whichever club he chooses to join.

West Lothian-born Arfield has been at Burnley for five seasons and went down with them in 2016 before helping them get promoted again.

5 Scott Arfield has been at Turf Moor for five seasons Credit: Ed Sykes

5 Sean Dyche's side currently sit seventh in the Premier League Credit: Getty Images

Burnley 1-1 Southampton: Manolo Gabbiadini late strike cancels out Ashley Barnes goal to share spoils at Turf Moor

Sean Dyche's side drew 1-1 against Southampton on Saturday after Manolo Gabbiadini's late equaliser cancelled out Ashley Barnes' 67th-minute opener.

Burnley are yet to pick up a win in 2018.

But they remain seventh in the table, eight points behind sixth-placed Arsenal.