Talks between Burnley and Djurgarden regarding a potential Championship switch for Sweden international Hjalmar Ekdal have stalled, the Allsvenskan club’s sporting director Bosse Andersson tells Fotbolskanalen.
Vincent Kompany’s league leaders have already found out the hard way just how difficult obtaining a work permit can be in the post-Brexit era. Jackson Muleka’s proposed £3.5 million switch from Standard Liege fell through at the eleventh hour over the summer, even after the striker underwent medical tests with the Clarets.
Six months on, the same fate could now befall Ekdal.
The 24-year-old defender admitted earlier in the week that he would jump at the opportunity to work under one of modern era’s finest centre-halves at Turf Moor, making quite the impression on Burnley supporters by labelling the Clarets’ interest a ‘bloody awesome’ development.
But with new regulations making it more difficult than ever for transfer targets to secure that pesky work permit, Ekdal’s dreams are being hit by a dose of harsh reality.
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley still hope to sign Djurgarden defender Hjalmar Ekdal
“Yes, you could say that,” Andersson said when asked if talks have stalled with Burnley. “The negotiations were more intense last week.
“It is true that we have not found an agreement. We are positive about continuing to hold discussions with Burnley about a transfer. I have good knowledge of the reason why (negotiations) stopped.
“We have had contact and discussions with Burnley. And it was, as I said, hotter last week than it is right now.”
Lech Poznan, Slavia Prague and Eredivisie outfit Groningen are lurking in the shadows. Ekdal accepts that playing time could be easier to come by in the Netherlands. But Burnley remains his preferred destination.
“It is clear that there are other interested parties,” Andersson adds. “It is January 11. And, regardless of Burnley or not, there are other interested parties. I expect that there are more clubs that can be more concrete in the last weeks (of the window).”
Burnley could turn instead to Ameen Al-Dakhil if the Ekdal deal fails. The Clarets had a £3.5 million bid rejected for the Sint-Triuden youngster over the summer but remain hot on his heels.
A new striker is also on the agenda. Sam Surridge hopes to stay at Nottingham Forest, however, while Viktor Gyokeres looks too expensive. Coventry City are demanding over £10 million.
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