New boss Nicky Hayen clarifies Burnley’s stance on Axel Tuanzebe

Burnley haven’t given up hope of enticing Axel Tuanzebe back to Turf Moor despite his starring displays at the World Cup.

The defender is now a free agent after his one-year contract came to an end at the end of June.

The club announced in its retained list at the end of last season that they remained in talks with the 28-year-old over extending his Turf Moor stay.

But the centre-back remains free to join any club he wishes and, having starred for DR Congo at this summer’s World Cup, many had suspected he would return to the Premier League.

It comes amid speculation that top flight newcomers Hull City were interested in a move for the former Manchester United man.

Tuanzebe snubbed Ipswich Town last summer following their relegation to the Championship, in favour of a move to the Premier League with Burnley.

He was in and out of Burnley’s side last term due to injuries, making just 16 appearances in all competitions. He also missed a chunk of game time due to the African Cup of Nations midway through the campaign.

But new Burnley boss Nicky Hayen has revealed Tuanzebe remains a player of interest, with his name featuring among a host of transfer targets.

“He's one of the players we're talking about,” he told the Burnley Express. “We have a list of players, so he's one of the players who is on that list.

“But of course, there are many really, really good players on the list, so we just have to see what suits the team, not only in terms of the mental part, but also the physical part.

“Also, the way we want to play, does he fit into that or not? So yeah, we're quite busy on that.”