Burnley defender Dara O’Shea has rejected a move to Ipswich Town as he holds out for Brentford ahead of the upcoming season, according to Football Insider.
As the Clarets embark upon a new Championship season, changes will have to be made amid the drop in performances last season. Furthermore, new manager Scott Parker will look to reinforce his squad with new players that suit his system.
So far in the transfer market, Maxime Esteve has completed his move from Montpellier as he adds to the vast amount of defenders in the squad. Full-backs Lucas Pires and Shurandy Sambo have also joined to aid the club’s promotion bid.
A key part of their defence last season was Dara O’Shea. He appeared 33 times in the league after his move to Turf Moor from West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2023.
In this time, the centre-half appeared to be a bright light in Vincent Kompany’s side, as suggested by his impressive stats. His aerials won are in the top three percentile of the top five leagues at 3.95 per 90. In addition, the Irishman also possesses an attacking threat as he scored three goals with four assists.
It’s this form which has caught the eye of many Premier League sides. Most notably Ipswich Town and Brentford are battling for his signature as both clubs look to avoid relegation.
Recently, the Bees made a second bid for the defender as reported by journalist Graeme Bailey The offer is said to be £7 million and Thomas Frank’s side are said to be confident they can complete the deal and pair their new signing with his Republic Of Ireland teammate Nathan Collins.
With the deal with Brentford progressing, the Tractor Boys are falling behind in the race. Football Insider claim that O’Shea has his heart set on a move to the capital.
Writer’s View
Burnley currently have many central defenders meaning losing O’Shea isn’t severe ahead of the season. It would also give them additional funds to reinvest into the playing squad before the end of the transfer window.
As for the player, he is able to immediately play for a club in the top tier and become a mainstay for a side that has been in the division for three years now. Brentford would also profit from the transfer as the Irishman proved his qualities last season defensively and going forward, thus suggesting he will be crucial to them next season.
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