With James Tarkowski set to be at the centre of widespread transfer speculation again this summer, it looks as if the Clarets are intent on preempting his potential departure by bringing in a suitable replacement as soon as possible.
Sean Dyche’s men failed with a bid for Stoke City defender Nathan Collins earlier in the week, but not to be disheartened, it would appear that they have turned their attentions – in part, at least – to Celtic man Jack Hendry.
The Scot has enjoyed a revelatory loan spell in Belgium with KV Oostende, and has consequently established himself as a favourite among Premier League scouts.
Wolves, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Championship outfit Bournemouth have all been monitoring his situation, but it’s the Clarets who have tried their luck with a bid, according to 90min.
While his parent club are open to doing business, however, Oostende are not – and that represents a problem.
The Belgian club are unwilling to cut his loan spell short, and have an option to make his deal permanent should he stay for the entirety of the campaign.
They look likely to exercise that option, and were they to make Hendry their player, they would not be willing to sell, as per the report.
That’s a real shame too, because Hendry has been in imperious form this season.
In fact, he’s been so good that he’s won 4.7% more of his duels than James Tarkowski, as well as 4.5% more aerial duels, as per Wyscout.
The Scot is tidy on the ball too, and has a pass completion rate of 90.4% – 11.2% higher than the Burnley stalwart’s – while his dribble success rate is better by 17%.
Elsewhere, Burnley could be facing disappointment in their pursuit of Derby County’s Jason Knight too.
The Clarets have been linked with the teenage midfielder all month long, but Rams boss Wayne Rooney has seemingly put pay to any chances of him leaving.
He said: “Jason Knight will not be leaving this football club”.
No messing about from England's record goal-scorer on that one…
We’ve gathered the rest of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below:
1. Newcastle could submit Lerager bid
Newcastle United could make a move to sign Genoa midfielder Lukas Lerager in the coming days. FC Copenhagen are also said to be keen. (BT - Denmark) (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Photo: Valerio Pennicino
2. Toon enter Maitland-Niles race
Newcastle have entered the race to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan. West Brom and Southampton are also keen, and the Magpies could turn their attentions to Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah. (Telegraph) (Photo by Alastair Grant - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool
3. Brown talks up Sharp exit
Michael Brown has talked up the prospect of Michael Brown potentially leaving Sheffield United in search of first team football. The 34-year-old was recently a reported target for Derby County. (Football Insider) (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
4. Wilder answers transfer question
Chris Wilder has claimed that he has "got nothing to say" on transfers as deadline day approaches. (The Star) (Photo by Mike Egerton - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool