Josh Cullen missed training with Anderlecht on Friday after Burnley entered talks over a £1.8 million deal for the Vincent Kompany favourite, as reported by Het Nieuwsblad.
Shortly after being confirmed as Sean Dyche’s permanent successor at Turf Moor, the Manchester City legend attempted to calm the fears of Anderlecht fans fearing a Clarets raid on Kompany’s old employers.
“At the moment, I don’t think about getting players from Anderlecht,” he said. “I don’t want to harm my former club. That is far from my intention.”
Clearly, Kompany is willing to make an exception for Josh Cullen.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, Burnley made a £1.8 million bid for the tenacious Republic of Ireland international last week. And while both clubs are yet to reach an agreement over a transfer fee, the fact that Cullen missed training on Friday will certainly set tongues a-wagging.
Burnley table Josh Cullen bid ahead of Anderlecht reunion
Another Belgian publication – DH – back up these claims. Anderlecht, they add, are now preparing for life without their former West Ham United starlet. Cullen could even be unveiled as a Burnley player in the next couple of days.
“He is never named the man of the match but he is the most popular in the squad,” Kompany once said of the tigerish, 26-year-old midfielder.
“Those who admire him the most for his work-rate are his teammates. He has only one thing in mind – the team. If the team wins, it is because he did a lot of jobs that the others could not do.”
One things for sure; Kompany’s predecessor would have loved him. A Burnley fanbase who have grown up with players willing to shed blood, sweat and the occasional tear for the Clarets cause will quickly take Cullen to their hearts as well.
Per TEAMtalk, Leeds United, Southampton and Wolves had sent scouts to watch Cullen last season. As did West Ham – despite selling the Southend-born enforcer for just £500,000 two years ago.
“He’s technically very good, and tough,” said former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy. “He puts his foot in and stands his ground.
“You wouldn’t think he’s a little fella that gets knocked around. He handles the ball particularly well. He’s got good legs and gets around the pitch. He plays week in, week out and he’s got great fitness levels.”
Cullen should form a new-look midfield partnership with fellow Jupiler League import Samuel Bastien at Burnley.
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