JUST IN:Burnley are currently interested in Sunderland  24 years old Super Star 

JUST IN:Burnley are currently interested in Sunderland  24 years old Super Star.

That’s according to Alan Nixon, who told his Patreon that the Clarets are interested in signing Dan Ballard.

After enjoying successful loan spells with Blackpool and Millwall, Ballard ended his 15-year spell with Arsenal as he arrived on Wearside on a four-year contract last summer.

The defender’s first year in Sunderland was hit with injuries, spending four months on the sidelines after fracturing his foot only two games into the season. Ballard was then out of action for the final two months of the campaign with a hamstring problem.
However, the Northern Ireland international has kicked the current term off brilliantly and has been one of the club’s best players, receiving plaudits for his incredible defending and also chipping in with two goals.

 

 

 

Ballard’s exceptional form earned him a new four-year contract in August, much to the supporters delight. However, they won’t be happy to hear that his improved deal hasn’t deterred interest elsewhere.

Nixon has claimed that Vincent Kompany’s side are keeping an eye on Ballard and are considering making a move in the January transfer window as they look to bolster their leaky defence.

The Clarets currently have the second worst goals against tally in the Premier League (20), while Ballard has four clean sheets to his name so far this season.

The 24-year-old is the second Sunderland player to be linked with Burnley in recent months, with the Premier League outfit still interested in snapping up Jack Clarke after his stellar start.

Don’t go, Dan!
Dan Ballard and Jack Clarke are the last people Sunderland want to lose in January, but the interest comes as no surprise due to their excellent form.

The Black Cats should be mostly protected by Ballard’s recent commitment to the club, while it would be a surprise to see him push for a move away from Wearside.

The centre-back is way above Championship quality and will undoubtedly play for a top Premier League club in the future, however Sunderland can’t lose him in January under any circumstances. That would put us in an extremely vulnerable position.

The only positive though, is that when Sunderland do eventually lose the pair then they should be looking to cash in at least £40 million for both of them. Another brilliant job from Kristjaan Speakman.