Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is being forced to wait over a possible loan deal for Manchester City ace Cole Palmer.
According to Alan Nixon, Manchester City will not allow the 21-year-old to move away from the Etihad Stadium until they have found a senior replacement for the department Riyad Mahrez.
Mahrez signed for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli last week after five successful years in Manchester, leaving the Cityzens a body short in the attacking third.
Pep Guardiola thinks highly of Palmer, previously stating that he will become an ‘exceptional player’, and in a weird twist could use the youngster against the Clarets on the opening day of the Premier League season if City are yet to sign an adequate Mahrez replacement.
It is not just Kompany’s men who are interested in the attacking midfielder, however, with recently relegated Leicester City also said to want him on loan. Burnley appear to be offering the best platform, though, so the Foxes look set to miss out regardless.
The Clarets are able to be slightly more patient in their approach to this deal after having their second league fixture postponed due to Luton Town being unable to host them, although it does not mean that they will simply sit back and hope for movement.
Palmer has made 38 appearances for Guardiola’s side in total, scoring four times and assisting twice since his debut in 2020.
Palmer to Turf Moor?
Also on Burnley’s radar is former loan pair Ian Maatsen and Nathan Tella. The Clarets are currently haggling with Southampton over the latter, whilst their hopes of securing a deal for Maatsen have been hit by his impressive form for Chelsea in pre-season.
It is clear that new additions are needed, but playing it steady in regards to Palmer may prove to be a shrewd tactic.
He is a capable top flight player who knows what it takes to achieve success, a young lad with a lot to prove and a high ceiling. If he were to have his breakthrough season with Burnley then it could be a win-win for all parties.