Vincent Kompany’s Burnley have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of £4 million KV Oostende striker Makhtar Gueye with Het Nieuwsblad reporting that his injury is not as bad as first feared.
As the diagnosis came through, Gueye must have wiped a bead of sweat from his brow before emitting an almighty sigh of relief.
It emerged on Monday that the 6ft 3ins centre-forward had twisted his ankle in pre-season training. If ligaments had been damaged – keeping him out of action for a number of months – a potential summer switch to Turf Moor would probably have gone up in smoke.
Fortunately, Gueye does not have weeks upon weeks of brutal rehabilitation ahead of him. The 24-year-old should be fit to return within a matter of days. A huge boost not just for Gueye, or Burnley for that matter, but for KV Oostende too.
Burnley want to replace Wout Weghorst with Makhtar Gueye
Het Niuewsblad point out that the Kustboys are under pressure to raise funds via player sales this summer. And Gueye is not only their top scorer – finding the net 13 times last season – he is also their most sellable asset.
Burnley are reportedly ready and willing to stump up £4 million for a man who caught Kompany’s eye during his time in charge of Belgian giants Anderlecht. The former Manchester City captain reportedly believes Gueye can thrive in a Clarets side who create most of their goalscoring opportunities from wide areas, thanks to stellar service provided by the likes of Dwight McNeil, Charlie Taylor and co.
Gueye scored four headers during 2021/22 alone. And the former St Etienne youngster is likely to replace the wantaway Wout Weghorst at Turf Moor.
Besiktas president Ahmet Nur Cebi claimed on Monday that a deal to rescue the Dutch international from the depths of the Championship should be completed before the week is out.
Gueye, meanwhile, could join Scott Twine in a new-look attacking partnership at Burnley.
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