Burnley are reportedly interested in a potential swoop for West Ham youngster Nathan Holland in the current transfer window.
ExWHUemployee on Twitter, who is regarded as a reliable insider source for Irons-focused transfer news, claimed that the Clarets are among several clubs interested in either a loan deal or permanent move for the 22-year-old, who is continuing his recovery from an injury incurred earlier this year [via Hammers.News].
Holland enjoyed a prosperous 2019/20 season, featuring in Premier League games for West Ham against Wolves and Arsenal in December and scoring 12 goals in 13 appearances for the Irons’ under-23 side in Premier League 2.
He joined Oxford on loan in January and netted three times in 12 matches for the U’s, including a 94th-minute equaliser in an FA Cup replay against Newcastle to take the match into extra time.
He sustained a hamstring injury in March just before the lockdown and subsequent curtailing of the League One season and was recalled by West Ham in June before Oxford’s play-off fixtures, which he would have missed anyway due to his convalescence.
Despite Holland’s hugely promising goal return at Premier League 2 level, he has still made just 16 senior appearances in his career and, at 22, could therefore do with finding a club where he will enjoy regular first team football.
There could be a vacancy on the left wing at Burnley in the coming weeks, with Dwight McNeil being odds-on with some bookmakers to join Leicester amid speculation of a potential Turf Moor exit for the 20-year-old. His potential departure would leave Robbie Brady as the only natural left-sided midfield option in Sean Dyche’s squad.
Holland had been enjoying a very promising few months prior to his injury, the length of which could be a concern for prospective suitors. Also, McNeil is 17 months younger than the West Ham winger but has far more top-level experience, having started every Premier League game for Burnley last season.
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If he leaves Turf Moor, Holland would not be on the same level in terms of a direct replacement, although he could be a decent option to have as backup if McNeil can be persuaded to stay.
Burnley fans, what do you make of Holland as a potential replacement for McNeil if the Clarets winger moves on? Have your say by commenting below!