Clarets Chasing Jay Rodriguez
Burnley Football Club are showing interest in bringing West Bromwich Albion striker Jay Rodriguez back to Turf Moor. The Baggies are putting up a fight against the drop to the Championship but with games running out and relegation is looking inevitable and rival Premier League clubs are assessing who could be available for sale in the summer.
Jonny Evans, Salomon Rondon and Nacer Chadli have buy-out clauses in their contracts while Jake Livermore, Gareth Barry and Craig Dawson are also expected to receive offers from the Premier League.
Jay Rodriguez has been one of Albion’s brighter performers in what has been a troubled campaign, shrugging off unfounded allegations of racism to score goals against Swansea City and Manchester United taking his season’s tally to eleven. His willingness to chase lost causes is attracting attention from rival clubs with Burnley manager Sean Dyche understood to be a fan.
Rodriguez was born in Burnley and grew up supporting the club before making his debut there in 2007. He went on to make 128 appearances and scored 41 goals for the Turf Moor club before being sold to Southampton for £7m. Dyche wants to strengthen for next season, particularly if Burnley qualify for Europe and wants players with the same work ethic as his current squad.
West Bromwich Albion have still to set a price for Rodriguez but are likely to look for a profit on the £12m they paid Southampton last summer. Burnley expressed interest last summer as did Newcastle United.
