Burnley are increasingly confident that they will be able to secure a deal to sign long-term target Dale Stephens from Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, according to the Mirror (22 September, page 45).
A lot has changed at Turf Moor since the Clarets made six unsuccessful bids for the veteran play-maker, including one worth as much as £8 million, back in 2016.
These days, Burnley are an established Premier League team under Sean Dyche, having spent the first half of the decade yo-yoing between the top and second tiers.
The unfashionable clarets have even enjoyed a brief foray into European football.
But one thing remains the same – Sean Dyche’s admiration for 31-year-old Stephens.
The Mirror reports that Burnley have renewed their interest in a man the gravel-voiced gaffer was desperate to sign four years ago. What’s more, they are convinced that a deal can be done before the early-October deadline.
Stephens, a former Charlton midfielder who joined Brighton in 2014, is no longer a guaranteed starter at the Amex; even if manager Graham Potter appreciates his intelligence in and out of possession.
“Dale has been one of the best players, if not THE best, for us so far,” Potter told the Argus last year. “His level is really impressive and, if I’m looking at last year compared to this season, then there’s some difference in terms of what he brings to the team.
“He brings a really good tactical understanding and he’s an intelligent footballer.”
Stephens was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s 3-0 win at Newcastle and appears to have fallen behind Yves Bissouma and Stephen Alzate in the pecking order, with Adam Lallana also arriving from Liverpool.
And his belated move to Burnley could help Dyche transition towards a more possession-based approach at Turf Moor.
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