Burnley eventually got their hands on the Everton winger last month.
Aaron Lennon has admitted he came close to leaving Everton for Burnley in August.
Lennon, who eventually made the move across Lancashire last month, was reported by the Daily Mail to be interesting Burnley on deadline day last summer.
And in an interview with the Lancashire Telegraph, the 30-year-old has revealed for the first time that a deal was indeed close.
“I think it was the right time for me to move,” he said. “It was very close in August. It nearly happened but we just couldn’t get it over the line.
“I was really happy that the gaffer [Sean Dyche] came back for me. Thankfully it all went through and I’m really excited to be here.”
Lennon spent three seasons at Everton, but only started 11 games in the first half of this campaign – the final one of his contract.
And after the £20 million capture of Theo Walcott in January, the Yorkshireman was finally allowed to leave Goodison Park, along with 20-year-old winger Ademola Lookman, who moved to RB Leipzig on loan.
Lennon made his Burnley debut in last week’s draw against Newcastle United and impressed on his first start against Manchester City at the weekend.
The former England international has signed a deal until 2020 at Turf Moor.
Is Lennon’s exit to Burnley a good move for all parties?
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