Burnley could have the edge over Sheffield United in the race to sign Bristol City midfielder Josh Brownhill.
The two Premier League sides, along with Leicester City, are thought to be interested in Brownhill. The Robins captain enters the final 12 months of his current contract this summer – when a £7m release clause also comes into action.
The Blades are known to be in the market for a new box-to-box player such as Brownhill. The 24-year-old has been a target for the club for some time, with them making an attempt to sign him last summer following promotion.
Clearly that didn’t happen, but Bristol City may be tempted to cash-in on Brownhill during the January transfer window because of his contract situation.
Ideally they would like their skipper to sign a new deal. But failing that, they would presumably want to receive at least £7m to be tempted to sell this month.
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Why Burnley have advantage over Sheffield United in race for midfielder
(Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
The Clarets believe they have a solid bargaining position when it comes to landing Brownhill. That is because the Robins are reportedly interested in Burnley striker Nakhi Wells.
According to the Daily Mail, Sean Dyche’s side are prepared to use Wells as part of the deal to sign Brownhill. The 28-year-old has impressed on loan at QPR so far this season, scoring 14 goals in 28 games in all competitions.
However, Wells could be recalled to Turf Moor before being sent to Bristol as a makeweight in the Brownhill transfer.
Lancashire Live confirms that the Clarets are indeed seeking a new central midfielder. This is after Danny Drinkwater’s loan from Chelsea was ended early in January and he has since joined Aston Villa.
That has left Dyche with just three senior options in the middle.
Burnley might also have a geographical advantage when it comes to signing Brownhill. The Preston North End academy product is from the North West and would like to move nearer to his family.
