Contrary to popular belief concerning the Burnley side that their current squad is self-sufficient and manager Sean Dyche wouldn’t have to act much in the ongoing transfer window, the Clarets look quite busy and have been linked with many Championship stars in recent weeks.
After continuous rumours regarding Norwich left-back Robbie Brady and Barnsley centre-half Marc Roberts, it is now Norwich’s talented winger Alex Pritchard, who is on Dyche’s radar, as per Sky sources. It is reported that both the sides are in talks for a possible £8m deal for the 23-year-old England U21 international.
While Burnley’s home form is one to boast about, where they are above the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, collecting a whopping 25 points in 12, their away form has been dismal. And Dyche’s weak attack has a lot to do with it. However, since the season is well-balanced between home and away games, Burnley have to start getting points apart from at home.
And a move for Pritchard looks like a big stride towards getting that objective. Burnley have scored only 23 goals so far, which is among the fewest, scored by Premier League teams this season. And they have to change that by bringing in quality up front.
A Tottenham Hotspur academy product, Pritchard looks likely to make a return to the Premier League after moving to the Championship just last summer for a reported £8m fee from White Hart Lane.
He has been a regular for Norwich in their Championship campaign appearing 18 times for the Canaries and even scoring twice. In fact, he has garnered a lot of attention for his perfect through balls and measured long shots. Having a rich in technique right-foot, Pritchard is pretty effective from set-pieces with the ability to chip in dangerous deliveries; an attribute Burnley is in dire need at the moment.
While in Tottenham’s academy, Pritchard spent time on loan with Peterborough United, Swindon Town, Brentford and West Bromwich Albion, before finally moving to Norwich City last year.
Burnley have played surprisingly well this season so far and are sitting 10th in the League with 26 points after 21 games. They have made the best use of their small ground knowing perfectly well their scopes and spaces and utilised it best to beat their opponents.
However, their next few matches include teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool by the next month, whom they play next month, and they need to start winning away if they want to retain their place in the league table until the end.
