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Burnley reject claims e-mail to agents was begging for players before deadline

Sean Dyche the manager of Burnley reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Burnley and Crystal Palace at Turf Moor
Image: Sean Dyche: Burnley manager was unable to add to squad on deadline day

Burnley have hit back at claims they sent a 'begging e-mail' to agents a day before the January transfer window closed.

A story in The Sun on Thursday claimed Sean Dyche's scouts had struggled to find any targets and that they ended up missing out on three players in the frenetic final hours of the window.

The club confirmed in a statement that they did miss out on two players, but both deals fell through because the selling clubs pulled out at the last minute.

The e-mail, reproduced by the tabloid, from Burnley head of recruitment Lee Darnborough read: "Just wanted to check if there are any players you are still looking to place that you feel would add to us and suit the group we have."

Burnley were interested in eventual Celtic signing Stuart Armstrong and West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans, who ended up staying at The Hawthorns after having talks with Championship club Norwich City.

They were also linked with Nottingham Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury but the only bit of business they ended up doing was turning Michael Keane's loan move from Manchester United into a permanent deal.

Challenging

But Burnley have since sought to clear up their transfer business from Monday, and said in a statement: "As deadline day approached, Burnley had identified its main targets.

"Two of those deals were actually agreed, both between clubs and the players, but regrettably the selling clubs decided not to proceed at the last minute, leaving Burnley Football Club looking to recruit elsewhere to add to the squad before Monday’s 11pm deadline.

"The email suggested in the newspaper article was sent as a general sweep of selected agents, who naturally are best placed to become aware of any last minute movements in the market regarding their players.

"These often occur late in the day through the ‘domino effect’ of last minute deals, where players are suddenly deemed surplus to requirements.

"In closing, the club has continually been open with supporters about how challenging the market is for a club that continues to act in a financially responsible manner.

"Burnley Football Club is always looking for players to complement the squad and will leave no stone unturned in that quest."

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