Burnley have reportedly added Divock Origi to their emergency striker shortlist, although the Liverpool forward may have plenty of other high profile suitors.
According to The Sun, Burnley have drawn up an emergency shortlist to sign a striker this month, with Divock Origi among those targets. They want to bring in a new forward to offset the sudden departure of Chris Wood to Newcastle United this month.
Newcastle United sprang a surprise this week as it was revealed they were about to sign Burnley striker Chris Wood. The Magpies were made aware of a release clause in the striker’s contract and duly paid the money required for the New Zealand international.
The surprise move has left Burnley with a shortage of strikers as they relied heavily on Wood for their goals. As his team was sent to the bottom of the table after Norwich City’s win over Everton, Sean Dyche will look to strengthen his squad ahead of a difficult battle to stave off relegation and remain in the Premier League.
Hence, Burnley have reportedly drawn up an emergency shortlist of strikers with Liverpool forward Divock Origi featuring there. The Belgian, once heavily tipped to join Newcastle United in the ongoing transfer window, has now been left to choose from various options that are expected to arrive sometime this month.
Liverpool have maintained their stance over selling the Belgian forward and have been prepared to block any potential move in this window. The Reds are already missing Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah due to their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations and may want to maintain their squad depth until they return.
However, Liverpool are reportedly open to selling Origi this month if suitors meet their £7 million asking price. That price tag is within budget for Burnley, who will be keen to replace Wood with Origi as they gear up for the relegation battle in the second half of the Premier League season
In truth, Burnley could be a less glamorous option for Origi, who is attracting attention from many top clubs across the continent. At the end of the month, he may have several options on the table to choose from, and the Clarets could be the least favourite considering the quality of the player.
Alternatively, he could choose to stay put at Liverpool until the summer and move on a free transfer on a more lucrative deal than the one he can get in the current window. As for Burnley, they should be targetting someone else to solve their striker problem, as they could be the last club Origi might choose to further his career after Liverpool.