After probably one of the best seasons in recent history for Burnley, Sean Dyche, who may yet take them to a place in Europe, is now desperate to continue the push next season and is already planning to add some quality to his first team.
They may not be able to attract the best talents in Europe but Burnley can certainly get players who fit into the style well and one such player the Clarets are now looking to sign is West Brom star, Jay Rodriguez.
Burnley Desperate To Re-sign Rodriguez
A transfer target for the club even at the start of the season, Rodriguez might be tempted to stay in the Premier League if West Brom fail to avoid the drop this season. The Baggies could lose a number of their first team players this summer if they are relegated and reports from The Daily Mail claim that they are ready to the striker leave, if they are able to make a profit on the £12m they paid for him, not so long ago.
He was also linked with a move to Newcastle United but born and brought up in Burnley, the 28-year old might be tempted to move back to Turf Moor. So is he a decent option for Sean Dyche?
Style Of Play
As already mentioned, the manager at Burnley is not one to spend on established players. He is happy to work with players who are ready to give they’re all in every game and Rodriguez fits the bill well. A hard-working attacker, who is strong in the air and deadly in front of goal, Rodriguez can be used as a target man but is also adept at running the lines and disrupting the backline of the other side.
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He can play on the wings but is at his best when used alongside another striker in a partnership, just like Dyche sets up his side at Turf Moor. He has 11 goals and an assist in 39 appearances for the Baggies this season and has been one of the brightest players at the club.
He will certainly be tempted to move back to his hometown, more so with a place in the first team waiting.
Chances At Burnley
Ashley Barnes has been a regular in attack for Burnley this season and has been in decent form. Chris Wood and Sam Vokes both provide a similar dimension in attack to Barnes, which has stalled Burnley’s progress a bit.
All three strikers are target men, happy to hold on to play and wait for things to happen. They are as good finishers as Rodriguez but the 28-year old former Southampton man adds so much more to the attack and will change the way Burnley test the goal.
At 28, he is in his prime as a footballer and deserves to play in the top flight but do you think Turf Moor is the right destination for him?