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Oliver Burke reveals why he turned down Premier League move

Oliver Burke
Image: Oliver Burke says he has no regrets over his decision to reject a move to the Premier League

Scotland international Oliver Burke says his desire to play first-team football was the reason behind his decision to turn down a move to the Premier League.

The 19-year-old winger became his country's most expensive player in August by completing a £13m move from Sky Bet Championship club Nottingham Forest to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig

Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

Burke, who is preparing for Scotland's World Cup Qualifiers against Lithuania and Slovakia, live on Sky Sports, had attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs prior to signing for Leipzig having scored four goals in five league matches at the start of this season. 

Tottenham were among the teams pursuing his signature, but Burke says the lack of assurances given over his involvement convinced him to reject a switch to the Premier League in favour of a move for Leipzig.

Burke is part of the Scotland squad for the trip to Malta
Image: Burke is currently preparing with the Scotland squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Lithuania and Slovakia

"I was going to visit Tottenham. But I said no because Leipzig showed enough care and attention to the little details," he told the Daily Mail

"For a young man, I don't want to go somewhere that is a big club and be thinking am I going to play? Am I going to progress? Or are they just going to stick me out on loan, which happens a lot at English clubs.

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"You can only look at Chelsea, and see the amount of talent they have, but they're all on loan, not getting used. You don't feel wanted when you sign for a club, you're there for two training sessions, and then they buy someone else in your position for double the amount.

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Oliver Burke's form for Nottingham Forest has earned him a big-money move
Image: Burke came through the ranks at Nottingham Forest, making 31 first-team appearances for the club

"So it's a no-brainer really. They made clear I was going to be a vital part of the team, which I have shown against Cologne and [Borussia] Dortmund. I don't regret not going to the Premier League."

Burke made his Leipzig debut as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 victory over Dortmund in September and has since featured a further three times, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Cologne

Leipzig's Scottish midfielder Oliver Burke (R) scores the opening goal past Cologne's goalkeeper Timo Horn (L) during the German first division Bundesliga
Image: Burke (right) scored his first goal for Leipzig against Cologne

He added: "The move surprised a lot of people but the facilities are some of the best in the world. 

"Everything you need. Not just that, it is the love. If the manager really wants you, that is the main priority. 

Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

"I didn't even know how much they were paying for me, I was just like, "Wow, let's do it. Let's play in the Bundesliga"."

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