Report: 'Advanced talks' claim made as Burnley linked with French midfielder

Burnley have been linked with a summer swoop for Lille midfielder Ugo Raghouber.

According to French outlet RMC Sport, the Clarets are in “advanced talks” over a deal for the 23-year-old.

He’s also drawing interest from sides in Germany, Italy and elsewhere in France, but it’s claimed Burnley are the player’s preferred destination.

Burnley FC have been contacted for comment.

A defensive midfielder, Raghouber came through the youth ranks at Lille, but his only real senior experience has come away with loan spells at Le Mans, Dunkerque and Levante, where he spent the second half of last season on loan.

A left footer, Raghouber is known for his ability to break up play and pick out passes from deep.

He’s still got a year left on his contract at Lille, but it appears he’s highly unlikely to see out the remaining 12 months.

The speculation comes after Burnley were also linked with another player over the weekend in the form of QPR defender Ronnie Edwards.

The 23-year-old only joined the Hoops permanently in January for a £4.5m fee, having previously enjoyed a successful loan spell from Southampton.

The centre-back, capped to England Under-21 level, made his name at Peterborough United as a youngster before his move to St Mary’s.

Burnley have signed just one player so far this summer, bringing in 19-year-old winger Lluc Castel on a permanent deal from ‘sister’ club Espanyol.

Going the other way has been Maxime Esteve, Quilindschy Hartman, Lesley Ugochukwu, Jaidon Anthony and Loum Tchaouna, while Jacob Bruun Larsen is also reportedly close to joining Danish side FC Copenhagen.

Elsewhere, Martin Dubravka and Vaclav Hladky also left following the expiration of their contracts, while Axel Tuanzebe and Ashley Barnes are also officially free agents.