Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City and Brighton & Hove Albion could provide a temporary home for West Ham United centre-back Reece Burke.
West Ham’s Reece Burke
West Ham United defender Reece Burke is eyeing a Championship loan move after signing a new deal.
“This season for me, another loan move may happen,” the 19-year-old, who earned rave reviews at League One Bradford City last season, told the Hammers’ official website.
“I think I’m going to try and do Championship – the next step – and see how the season goes hopefully playing Championship football and I’ll hopefully get another load of games under my belt.”
With no emergency loan market to bail clubs out between windows, Football League sides must gather all their resources before next week’s transfer deadline – which will likely accelerate Burke’s London Stadium departure.
Could these the following three clubs provide temporary homes?
3) Blackburn Rovers
Owen Coyle’s side are desperate for new additions, having suffered defeat in three of their opening four league matches. And, with 11 goals conceded already, defence is a high priority. Grant Hanley was sold to Newcastle earlier in the window, while Shane Duffy is wanted elsewhere – despite his best efforts to ward off potential suitors. There is little doubt Burke would get games in Lancashire.
Blackburn’s Shane Duffy
2) Bristol City
A new centre-half continues to elude Robins boss Lee Johnson, who has been left with a pool of two ahead of next Wednesday. Aden Flint and Hördur Magnusson are forming a promising partnership, though some competition is now required. The arrival of Burke would push the pair all the way.
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson
1) Brighton & Hove Albion
One of the clubs said to be looking at Duffy, Brighton could save themselves £4 million by taking Burke on loan instead. With the Seagulls’ Lewis Dunk also drawing interest, the 19-year-old’s capture would provide insurance in the lead up to the deadline. Few Championship environments are as settled as Brighton’s and, after a year in Yorkshire, a move a little closer to home is bound to appeal.
Brighton’s Lewis Dunk
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
