According to the Daily Mail, Burnley are now in talks with Lens over the signing of Newcastle target Seko Fofana, as they look to spend their Chris Wood funds.
What’s the story?
Well, Burnley could get immediate revenge on Newcastle by pinching Fofana from under the nose of Eddie Howe.
The Daily Mail believe the Ivory Coast international is valued at £14m, although that may not be enough to prise him away from Lens in the middle of the season.
Fofana – who has spent time at Manchester City and Fulham – was not called up by Patrice Beaumelle for the Africa Cup of Nations.
That provides something of a boost to Burnley and Newcastle, as it makes a potential transfer easier to arrange.
The Daily Mail believe Lens could sell Fofana if a suitable bid is made this month.
Impressively, the Ivorian has scored seven goals from midfield this season, and was also named Ligue 1 Player of the Month for September.
Burnley could get instant revenge on Newcastle
According to the Daily Mail, Burnley are furious at losing Wood to Newcastle, and are disappointed in the 30-year-old for joining a direct relegation rival.
However, Sean Dyche could make himself feel a bit better by pinching Fofana ahead of the Magpies, as it would be a phenomenal signing.
Get French Football News (GFFN) even named the 26-year-old as their Player of the Year for 2021, ahead of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
GFFN describe Fofana as someone who “manages to play midfield enforcer, creator and dynamo all at once” – they add that “it’s quite incredible.”
Make no mistake about it, the Lens No.8 is one of the most reliable, consistent midfielders around, who is simply getting better and better.
If Burnley can somehow pull this deal off, and find another centre-forward to replace Wood, they might actually end January in better shape than they entered it.
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