It is inevitable with the January transfer window open that speculation in the media and on football message boards is now in full flow. Already rumours are rife concerning players in and out of Turf Moor.
The most exciting rumour, which all Clarets fans will be hoping is true, relates to on-loan right back Kieran Trippier. Speculation in forums spread like wild fire over the weekend suggesting that Burnley were about to sign the Manchester City defender on a permanent deal. A figure of £1.3 million was banded about.
Trippier has made the right back spot his own since arriving on loan in the summer and has impressed in all departments. A competent defender, he can also charge down the flank setting up numerous chances with his excellent crossing. He has more to his game too, having developed the art of the long throw and he even recently proved he can find the back of the net given the chance. His well-taken goal at the Amex Stadium against Brighton just before Christmas excited the Clarets faithful and earned the team three points.
The speculation seemed to take on some weight when assistant manager, Jason Tindall tweeted on his Twitter account that there was ‘Great news about to be announced soon`. Posted on New Year`s Eve there was no indication that the remark had anything to do with Burnley FC let alone Trippier but Twitter users pounced on the remark and linked it with the Trippier rumour.
Another rumour, not for the first time also linked the Clarets with a loan move for 24 year old Manchester United midfielder, Darron Gibson. The Republic of Ireland international has played 30 games for the Red Devils scoring four goals. He has been out on loan twice during his career at Old Trafford. His first spell was at Royal Antwerp in 2006/7 and his second for Wolves playing for them for most of the 2007/8 season. He managed to score one goal too but sadly that was against the Clarets in December 2007!
Although looking a potential prospect, he has suffered from injury and some think it could be a gamble to take on an injury-prone player. Gibson suffered damage to his ankle ligaments in August this year and has made just one appearance for United this season and that was recently in the surprise 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup quarter-final back in November.
Another player treading on the Burnley rumour mill is St Mirren midfielder, Kenny McLean. It is reported that Burnley have offered the Saints £350,000 for the 19 year old prospect in an effort to bring him to Turf Moor. St Mirren manager Danny Lennon said just last week: “We`ll always be a selling club if the price is right but we have no debt and we`re in no rush to sell.” However, this is not the first time we have been linked with the player so Burnley`s talks with the club could be at an advanced stage. We shall have to see if we can tempt the SPL club to sell the youngster. He is already a Scottish Under 21 international and can play both on the left and in the centre of midfield.
One player we have lost out on is Cliftonville Northern Ireland Under-21 striker Rory Donnelly. We were reported to have made an early move for the hot prospect offering £100,000 to try and keep the Premier league clubs at bay. Both Swansea and Everton were thought to also have targeted the player and it now looks like the Swans have won the battle to sign him.
Swansea City hope to complete the signing this week now that the January window is open. The 19-year-old has passed a medical and will sign a three-and-a-half year deal. The Welsh club agreed an undisclosed fee with the Irish Premiership side and Donnelly has agreed personal terms.
All Clarets fans of course are waiting with bated breath to find out if we can retain the services of Jay Rodriguez. Southampton of course were keen to sign him in the summer but we managed to keep them at bay. They are however expected to mount a challenge again for the player in the January window. Our chums on Vital Saints are reporting that Solent Sport revealed on Twitter that Southampton are not interested in signing Billy Sharp and Nicky Maynard in January suggesting that Jay Rodriguez could once more be their target up front. The Saints however could face stiff competition from Premier League clubs. Wolverhampton Wanderers were the latest top flight club to be linked with the player. The rumour leaked out over the weekend and it is bound to fuel speculation that perhaps the club are lining up some sort of player-fee arrangement with Sam Vokes, currently on loan at Turf Moor signing a permanent deal as part of a player exchange.
There have been no firm rumours of any further departures from Turf Moor but certainly Clarets fans wonder if Andre Amougou`s days could be numbered. The defender appears to be out of favour and is lucky to even make the bench these days.
Well that`s all to report so far, but rest assured, Vital Burnley will bring you any transfer news speculation hot off the press as soon as we hear any. Don`t forget also we have a ‘Rumour Mill` forum where posters are welcome to post any gossip and speculation they hear. Come and join in and comment on the potential new arrivals and departures.
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