The latest transfer talk from Turf Moor as Burnley look to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.

Scott Parker has admitted he is keen to add to his Burnley squad during the January transfer window - but attempts to complete one potential incoming could be hampered by Scottish giants Celtic.

The Clarets were dealt a major blow when midfielder Josh Cullen suffered a serious knee injury in the recent draw with Everton that will rule him out of action for the remainder of the season and mean he will focus his attention on a rehabilitation period that is likely to last for up to nine months. There has been one departure from Turf Moor since the window opened for business as Hannes Delcroix made a permanent exit to FC Lugano - but as it stands, there have been no new arrivals.

Speaking about potential deals and the possible addition of a midfielder, Parker said recently: “Yeah, I think that will definitely be an area that we're looking at now to try and strengthen. Of course, I always say it's a difficult market. January is a very difficult market. Timeframes are very short as well and you probably need to be a bit reactive to that. But certainly there are areas. One being that our captain has obviously come out with a long-term injury, so we're constantly looking and we'll try and do something in this window.”

TeamTalk have reported Scottish giants Celtic are reportedly providing the competition for one Clarets target after recent speculation suggested Parker was looking to the Bundesliga to boost his attacking options before the end of the transfer window. Union Berlin and Serbia striker Andrej Ilic is said to have ‘attracted interest’ from multiple clubs and Burnley are named amongst them as the 25-year-old frontman heads into the final 18 months of his current deal.

After spending last season on loan with Union and scoring seven goals in 17 appearances, Ilic made a permanent move to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei during the summer transfer window after leaving French club Lille. He has just one goal to his name in 17 appearances this season - but that has not stopped speculation suggesting both Burnley are Celtic are monitoring his progress. TeamTalk state the latter could find the deal ‘very difficult’ to complete due to Union’s £9m valuation of the once-capped Serbia international and report any agreement would require ‘substantial negotiations and financial commitment’ from the Hoops hierarchy.

Goalkeeper returns to Burnley

Crewe Alexandra have revealed goalkeeper Sam Waller has returned to Burnley after spending the last five months on loan with the League Two club.

The 22-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Clarets and his only appearance in a first-team matchday squad came as an unused substitute in a 3-0 win at Brighton in February 2022. However, he did earn senior experience during a loan spell with National League club Rochdale last season and has made 11 appearances for Crewe during the first half of the current campaign. However, he will now return to Burnley and a decision over the next step in his career will be taken over the coming weeks.

A statement released on the Alex website read: “Crewe Alexandra can confirm that Sam Waller will return to his parent club, Burnley. The keeper made 11 appearances for The Railwaymen between August and January, and became a popular member of the playing squad. Now the 22-year-old will return to The Clarets. Everybody at Crewe Alexandra would like to thank Sam for his efforts and wish him the best of luck in his future career.”

Your next Burnley read: James Trafford faces uncertain Man City future just six months on from Burnley departure