Manager says he’s not surprised as Burnley make bid for his £13m star

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Millwall manager Gary Rowett is not surprised that ‘there is interest from the Premier League’ in Zian Flemming with Burnley seeing a number of bids rejected. 

Two years ago, Nottingham Forest failed with a trio of offers for the then-Fortuna Sittard star. 

Flash forward to the summer of 2023, and Burnley have already gone one better. Vincent Kompany’s Championship champions have now submitted no fewer than four bids for a player who made a mockery of his bargain £1.7 million price-tag during an outstanding debut campaign at The Den. 

Zian Flemming scored 15 goals from his advanced midfield role. The Dutchman’s arrival at Turf Moor would help offset the loss of last season’s top scorer Nathan Tella, with Ajax-honed Flemming possessing the athleticism and technical ability required of by ex-Manchester City coach Kompany. 

Burnley make four bids for Millwall star Zian Flemming

“He is a very good player,” Rowett tells the South London Press. “It doesn’t surprise me there is interest from the Premier League.” 

Whether Burnley are willing to make a fifth offer, only time will tell. Dutch publication Voetbal International believes £13 million may be enough. Their initial offer – in the region of £7 million – was reportedly batted away instantaneously by the Lions last month. 

“He’s been such a good player,” Rowett said during the second half of last term (London News Online).

“Such an intelligent player. You can tell him, and he gets it. He can action those instructions really well on the pitch.

“In terms of value for money, he would have to be right up there (with my best ever signings). Zian is a good player. He’s a very good player. For the price we paid for him, it’s a snip.  

“He’s shown he’s got the character, he’s got the physicality, and that bit of game-changing quality. I’m really pleased with him.”

Burnley are also in hot pursuit of a centre-forward and a new goalkeeper. The Clarets are eyeing up Barcelona’s Arnau Tenas and Royal Antwerp’s Jean Butez as Anderlecht shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen secures in on a move to Brighton and Hove Albion.