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:
5. Liverpool want Bissouma
Liverpool have identified Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma as a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, should the Dutchman leave Anfield. The Reds are also keen on Renato Sanches. (Fabrizio Romano via Anfield Watch) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: GLYN KIRK
6. Burnley fail in Hendry bid
Burnley have failed with a bid to sign Celtic defender Jack Hendry. The Scot is on loan in Belgium, and Brighton are also said to be monitoring the player. (90min) (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: VIRGINIE LEFOUR
7. Rooney gives Knight update
Wayne Rooney has insisted that Jason Knight will not be leaving Derby County this month. The midfielder is said to be a target for Burnley and Leeds. (Various) (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Rose
8. Martyn delivers Forshaw verdict
Nigel Martyn has claimed that Adam Forshaw must prove to Marcelo Bielsa that he is still worthy of a place in Leeds' squad. The midfielder has been sidelined with a long-term injury. (The Boot Room) (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Photo: Paul Kane