Nicky Hayen addresses Burnley’s failure to replace Zian Flemming

Nicky Hayen has revealed Burnley had a deal fall through for a Zian Flemming replacement prior to the transfer deadline.

Supporters were left frustrated after Flemming was allowed to join Ipswich Town on Tuesday night without a like-for-like number nine coming into the building.

Speaking for the first time since the closure of the summer window, Hayen addressed Flemming’s exit and why no one else was brought in.

“It's really unfortunate, of course, because Zian was an important asset for the team and also for the club,” he said.

“But we have to be fair, we were also in negotiation with another striker but this deal blew up. One or two hours before the deadline, the player blew up the deal and unfortunately we didn't have the time to find another replacement.

“Okay, I don't like to say it is what it is, but we keep on working with the players who are here and we have different profiles.

“What we actually want to create is not being independent of one striker, but now with Dastan [Satpayev], with Zeki [Amdouni], with Largie [Ramazani], even with Mike [Tresor] and other players, we want to be more goal-threatening.

“That the danger comes from everywhere, than waiting for a striker who scores 15 goals. That makes our life, of course, easier, but if the threat is coming from everywhere, you will also create more chances.”

When asked if the club ever considered scrapping the Flemming sale given they didn’t have a replacement lined up, Hayen added: “No, I don't think so. I don't know, I think the deal already was done.”

Despite the arrival of three signings on deadline day, Hayen refused to rule out using the free agent market to bolster even further.

“I don't know what happens, there are still a lot of top players available,” he said. “But we'll see what will happen.

“For now, we will just put the energy into the team. Like we said, the second half [against Middlesbrough] was something we can build on, what we also used to encourage the players.

“Again, it's good that we have a back-on-back games at home, and again, now we will start, or we have to start from the first whistle again.”

Despite the English window now being closed, Burnley are still busy behind the scenes working on exits to trim down their bloated squad.

Lyle Foster is poised to join MLS side Houston Dynamo, while there are others who are free to leave as they’re unlikely to make Burnley’s 25-man squad.

This must be submitted to the EFL on Thursday, but it’s understood the Clarets are likely to initially name 21 or 22 players for the Bristol City game on Saturday, before adding further players at a later date when they have a clearer idea of who is staying and who is leaving.

“Everything is possible,” Hayen said, when asked about further departures to other countries whose windows remain open.

“You know I don't lose my energy in this kind of thing, so we'll see.”