Jon Walters could leave Burnley and is prepared to play in the Championship, so could a reunion with Tony Pulis at Middlesbrough be on the cards?
Jon Walters has admitted he could leave Burnley this summer after a frustrating first season at the club in which he managed just five first team appearances.
This was partly because of recurring knee problems, but while the Clarets enjoyed a fantastic season and finished seventh in the Premier League and qualified for the Europa League, Walters managed just 36 minutes of league action in total.
The 34-year-old is currently with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of international friendlies with France and USA and having been fully fit for weeks, has been frustrated at a lack of game time.
“I have been fit for a while, been in squads and not been picked, but I spoke to the manager [Sean Dyche] and I think I am available to go if needs be, we will assess it and see what’s there,” Walters told the Irish Independent.
“If I wanted to move on, I wouldn’t see that as an issue. But we will see. I have got another year. I am not going to rush any decisions. If someone wants you in the Premier League, great but if not I will have no qualms about dropping. Playing games is what it is all about.”
Where could he go?
Someone in the Championship who knows Walters very well is Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis, who signed the forward for Stoke City from Ipswich Town back in 2010.
The Irishman played under Pulis for three years and the 60-year-old was clearly a fan, telling the Telegraph of the attacker following a 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace in 2013:
“He gives everything, Jon. He is just a very gifted individual in lots of respects, and his biggest asset is his big strong heart and the British bulldog spirit he has got.”
Walters has no qualms about dropping down a division, while Pulis could arguably use that spirit as he tries to get Boro promoted next term.
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