The Clarets star has Austrian heritage and has played for the country at youth level.
Burnley’s Ashley Barnes shoots at goal
Burnley striker Ashley Barnes has been speaking to the press in Austria this weekend, when he admitted he would consider a transfer to Red Bull Salzburg in the summer.
The 27-year-old was talking to Spox when he discussed a potential move to the Austrian powerhouses. The Burnley striker, who has an Austrian grandmother, used to play under the current Salzburg head coach Oscar Garcia during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion and is clearly open to the idea of heading to the Austrian league to play his football:
“Maybe I would also go to Salzburg, where my old Brighton coach is working, Oscar Garcia. I think he’s doing a good job at Red Bull, is he not?
“Here in England there are a few clubs that would like to have Oscar. He’s really a good coach, I’ve been working under him.
“Why not (move to Salzburg)? Would be good. Why not? I know the coach! He knows what I am for a player.
“There are also some Austrians in England. Why not vice versa?”
The Burnley man was clearly speaking hypothetically, and simply suggesting a move would interest him, but it would certainly not be beyond the realms of possibility.
The Clarets front-man has one cap for the Austrian under-20 side but has not represented the country on the full international scene. A move to Austria might help his chances.
A move to the club would also present Barnes with the chance to play European football, an unlikely scenario at Burnley.
Former Brighton manager Oscar Garcia
This season he has played 17 times in the Premier League for Burnley, scoring four times, but is the third-choice option behind Andre Gray and Sam Vokes.
Red Bull Salzburg are currently top of the Austrian Bundesliga table and six points clear of nearest rivals Rheindorf Altach.
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