Burnley are optimistic that they will seal a deal to lure Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori to Turf Moor this summer, it has been reported.
The Clarets are chasing Tomori in a £15million move according to Daily Star as a potential replacement for James Tarkowski.
Tarkowski is apparently a man in demand, with Leicester City monitoring him from close quarters. Burnley are, however, demanding £40million for the defender.
Chelsea are undergoing a period of transformation under new manager Frank Lampard and the former Blues midfielder will make a call on the future of Tomori.
However, there is a significant probability that he might not be getting adequate game time under his belt if he stays on for the upcoming campaign despite the threat of a transfer ban looming large over Stamford Bridge. Kurt Zouma has returned from his loan spell and Christensen is an improved player after yet another season under his belt.
Fikayo Tomori: Profile
Tomori emerged through the youth ranks of Chelsea but owing to competition for a place in the starting line-up, he hasn’t been able to make an impact for the Blues.
Following his loan spells at Brighton & Hove Albion and Hull City, he dazzled for Derby County during his loan term during the previous campaign.
The central defender made 47 appearances in the Championship for the Rams and was one of their most reliable performers.
Intriguingly, Lampard was the manager of Derby County last season and it is implied that it will not be easy for Burnley to prise him away after his productive outings under the former Chelsea superstar.
He mustered 2.3 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 3.9 clearances per game on an average and no wonder a couple of Premier League clubs are interested in his services.
Tomori has also represented England at various youth levels and seeing his progress, a senior call up doesn’t seem to be too far.
Will he be a good signing for Dyche?
Tomori is undoubtedly a talented young gun and has arguably proved himself capable enough to play in the Premier League on a regular basis.
Predominantly a central defender, he is a versatile enough to ply his trade across the backline. He possesses admirable physicality and strength and is a shrewd reader of the game.
The 21-year-old is a decisive tackler and has seldom been seen giving the ball away to the opposition cheaply. Besides, he is a disciplined and a composed player at the back.
In terms of technicality, he is a sound commodity with the ingredients of a modern-day defender and it will be interesting to see how Dyche can develop him into an even fearsome operator if the move materialises.