Leeds United are chasing Oli McBurnie.
Leeds United’s interest in Oli McBurnie should come as no surprise while Paul Heckingbottom is manager.
The Sun reported this week (18/3 p60) that McBurnie is one of three players in Barnsley’s current XI who he is keen to sign for Leeds along with Andy Yiadom and Joe Williams.
Heckingbottom has already signed McBurnie twice this season already, and is a big fan of the striker.
He signed McBurnie twice for Barnsley, with the first deal falling through due to paperwork.
McBurnie thought he had clinched the move on deadline day in September, posing for official photos and giving an interview to Barnsley’s media channels before the EFL decided the move was cancelled.
Heckingbottom pulled off a move for the forward in January before leaving for Leeds days later.
McBurnie told SkySports he had no ill feelings towards him, explaining: “I really got on well with him and he really rated me as a player. To be fair, Heckie rang me the day after he took the job at Leeds, just to explain what his thinking was.
“I would never hold that against him. I understand what football is like.”
McBurnie has even bought a house in Leeds due to the proximity to Barnsley, which helps the Whites’ chances of signing him permanently.
The striker’s form has been excellent since arriving at Barnsley, scoring six goals in nine games and earning an international call with Scotland.
Circumstances have denied Heckingbottom and McBurnie getting a run together.
Indeed it would be cruel but typical of their luck if Leeds finally get their man… and then dispense of Heckingbottom’s services a few games into next season.
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