Sheffield Wednesday keen on Burnley winger Treacy

CLARETS wideman Keith Treacy could still have a future at Turf Moor.

But the 23-year-old is believed to be keen on making his loan move to Sheffield Wednesday permanent after helping the Owls win promotion back to the Championship on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland international was snapped up by Dave Jones in March, on loan until the end of the season, after struggling to make an impact at Burnley in his debut season.

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He has made seven appearances as Wednesday overhauled neighbours Sheffield United for the second promotion spot behind champions Charlton, scoring one and making one in the 2-1 win at Brentford in the penultimate game of the season.

Treacy has previously played in the Steel City with the Blades, on loan from Blackburn Rovers, where he started his career, and he clearly enjoys playing in south Yorkshire.

He said: “When I was with United, I loved the city and playing here. The fans are so passionate.

“I love playing football in Sheffield.

“The Wednesday fans have really taken to me.”

However, while it would seem a full-time switch would suit all parties, after a campaign in which he has made only 16 league starts for the Clarets, following a summer move from relegated neighbours Preston North End, I understand Burnley boss Eddie Howe remains open to a possible return, and the hope of fulfilling his undoubted potential with the Clarets.

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Howe spent a undisclosed fee, thought to be around £500,000, to snap up Treacy, after the departure of Chris Eagles to Bolton, and the Dubliner, after starting on the bench, came on to head the equaliser in the 2-2 draw at home to Watford on the opening day of the season.

However, as he struggled for fitness and form, he would be withdrawn four times either before or at half-time, as he failed to cement a regular starting berth, and dropped out of the international equation as well.

That saw him end the season with Wednesday to get games under his belt, as he and fellow loan men Nile Ranger (Newcastle), Michail Antonio (Reading) and Danny Batth (Wolves) helped the Owls over the line to promotion.

Jones has indicated that the futures of all four players are in the hands of their parent clubs, and he has yet to publicly state his intentions on signing them permanently.

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Meanwhile, weekend reports linking Burnley with centre-back Alex Bruce are believed to have no substance at all.

The 27-year-old has been released by Leeds United with his contract due to expire.

But the son of former Sunderland boss Steve is not thought to be a target for Howe.