How Burnley Would Line Up Next Season With Their Summer Targets In The Side
Burnley look set to losing striker Andre Gray in the summer. The 25-year old is a prime target for the top Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
The Clarets managed to stay up in the top division upon their return last season and Gray had played a big part in their fortunes, having scored 9 goals and setting up 3 assists from 32 league appearances. However, with the bigwigs calling, it is unlikely that they will keep hold of their Englishman beyond this summer.
Another attack-minded player that they might be losing in the summer is George Boyd. The 31-year old Scotsman will enter the last month of his existing contract with Burnley in a few days and he hasn’t signed a new deal yet. There is some strong interest in him from several Championship sides and he could be on the way out of Turf Moor too.
With the two potential exits on the cards, Burnley manager Sean Dyche will be looking to sign replacements and is likely to field a revamped attacking line-up next season. And here we take a look at how the attacking half of the pitch might look for the Clarets, with two potential new arrivals:
Marley Watkins (RM)
The 26-year old will be out of contract at Barnsley in a month’s time and has been linked heavily with a move to the Turf Moor (Wales Online). Watkins finished the Championship with a very impressive return of 10 goals and 9 assists from 42 games. He has the pace and the dribbling abilities to cause problems to the full-backs. His goal and assists return is much better that what Burnley are used to with Boyd. And to top that, he will be coming in for free, making him an excellent addition.
Ashley Westwood (CM)
The former Aston Villa man has done decently since arriving in the January transfer window. Dyche seemed to prefer Joey Barton in the middle of the park, but after his suspension, the manager relied on Westwood to do the job and he delivered. It is very likely that the 26-year old will keep his place in the middle of the park.
Jeff Hendrick (CM)
The last summer’s signing has become a vital part of the Burnley team and had a fairly decent debut season in the Premier League. The 25-year old played 32 league games over the season and scored twice and set up one, establishing himself as the midfield mainstay in the process. He is most certain to keep his place in the midfield.
Robbie Brady (LM)
Another January window addition from Aston Villa, Brady has performed very well each time he has been afforded the opportunity to showcase his skills. He made 14 league appearances since joining and scored once – a spectacular free-kick, and has assisted 2 more. He should be the preferred personnel on the left flank for the Clarets next season.
Sam Vokes (ST)
The 27-year old Welsh international finished the season on a very strong note, scoring 4 in the final 3 league games for Burnley. In the process, he became the leading scorer for the club with 12 goals across all competitions, 10 of which came in the Premier League. His performances in the business end of the season deserve a starting berth for next term.
Oumar Niasse (ST)
The Clarets seem to have identified the Everton exile as the man to replace Andre Gray if he leaves in the summer (Sunday People via Sports Mole). Niasse may not have been able to break into the Everton side under Ronald Koeman, but proved his credentials on loan with Hull City in the second half of the season, finishing with 5 goals and an assist in the league and cup combined. Has the speed, the power and the physicality to succeed for Burnley.