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Burnley Football Club: Summer 2018 Transfer Focus

What a superb season the Lancashire club experienced. Tipped by many for relegation, the club finished the season in 7th position just 2 points off Arsenal. The 7th place finish also means the club have secured European football for the first time in 51 years.

Burnley’s season did not go unrecognised with manager Sean Dyche nominated for Manager of the Year and both Nick Pope and James Tarkowski winning their first England caps, with the latter being included in England’s World Cup squad. With their Europa League campaign getting underway on July 26th, Sean Dyche will need to get most of his business sorted out early this summer.

Despite starting their campaign in just over a month, Burnley are yet to bring anyone through the door this summer. A few players have exited though. Dean Marney has been released from the club after making more than 200 appearances. Fellow midfielder Scott Arfield has also been released, with the Canadian international returning to Scottish football by joining Steven Gerrard at Rangers. George-Kevin N’Koudou has returned to Spurs after spending the season on loan.

Burnley seem to be turning their attention to one club this summer for their transfer targets – West Brom. Reports are suggesting that over the last few days that the club have been in contact with the relegated side and have made a £25 million joint bid for Jay Rodriguez and Craig Dawson. West Brom reportedly want around £20 million just for former Burnley academy graduate Rodriguez, therefore the Clarets may well need to offer in excess of £30 million to secure the pair. Burnley have also been linked with a move for West Brom winger Matt Phillips.

Along with Rodriguez, Phillips was one of a few players to perform for West Brom this season and would provide Aaron Lennon and Robbie Brady some much needed competition. If West Brom do not wish to sell Phillips to Burnley, the club could turn their attention to West Ham’s forgotten man Michail Antonio. The former Tooting and Mitcham United player may struggle for game time at West Ham this season and would be a welcome addition to a Burnley squad also playing European football this season.

Dyche will be determined to keep together the majority of his team that excelled last time out. New England Internationals James Tarkowski and Nick Pope have both been linked to Liverpool over the past few days. Pope may be allowed to move on following Tom Heaton’s return to action and is likely to cost upwards of £15 million. If Pope stays, Heaton may be the man to leave Turf Moor with West Ham interested in the Burnley captain. Jonathan Walters has stated recently that he is available to leave the club after talks with Sean Dyche, and League One club Sunderland have been linked with making a £2 million bid for the Republic of Ireland man’s services.

Written by Dan Blank. 

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