Premier League outfit Burnley are set to move for Norwich City’s Josh Sargent in the coming January transfer window. The interest comes alongside the Clarets’ interest in acquiring further firepower up front in their bid for survival.
Having won automatic promotion last season, Scott Parker’s side have enjoyed a respectable start to the campaign.
Earning ten points in their opening eleven with notable victories over relegation rivals Wolves and Leeds United, yesterday’s 3-2 loss away at West Ham may be a cause for concern.
With interest in Sargent, the 25-year-old has been widely considered the finest frontman in the Championship for the last two seasons.
Burnley Move For Norwich City’s Josh Sargent
A top-flight move for Sargent has been imminent for several years. Now 25 years old, the American has returned double figures in his last three Championship campaigns and is currently on course to hit similar numbers.
To the surprise of many, Norwich City sit 23rd in the Championship table after enduring a difficult start to the campaign. Parting ways with Liam Manning after their late defeat to Leicester City, any promotion ambitions for the Canaries are likely snuffed out.
Despite their struggles, Sargent has maintained his typical goalscoring levels, returning six goals and two assists.
However, according to Alan Nixon, Burnley are not without their difficulties in their pursuit of the striker.
Reportedly, the Clarets failed in “an unusual staged-payments bid” for the striker but aim for more success in the winter window.
This comes with the Lancashire side needing to operate within spending limitations in the coming window. Therefore, a bid paid based on achievements and installments would likely work best for them.
It is unclear whether Burnley are planning to invest in their defence. However, it could be wise after Parker’s men have conceded 22, the third-worst record in the division.
Would Norwich City Sell Sargent?
Furthermore, a move for the striker could pose difficulties. The Canaries have often waved away interest in their striker, rejecting a bid from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg last summer.
With relegation a real risk for the Canaries, they could be less inclined to part ways with Sargent mid-season.
Failing to win since late August, the team are winless in eleven, losing eight.
Sitting 23rd in the table, the Carrow Road outfit are four points adrift of 21st-placed Oxford United. Now parting ways with Manning, their upcoming fixture against the Us could be a pivotal match in the grand scheme of things.
Losing Sargent in January would be a real dent to the club, regardless of their league position by that point. However, it would make sense for the striker to move on with Premier League football, looking unlikely at Norwich.
