Burnley now eyeing another Sunderland man after failed pursuit of Jack Clarke
Burnley have set their sights on Sunderland and Northern Ireland centre-back Dan Ballard, reports Alan Nixon.
Ballard joined Sunderland from Arsenal ahead of last season, snubbing a move to Burnley in the process.
And it appears that the Clarets have kept their eye on Ballard with Nixon revealing on his Patreon yesterday that Burnley are making checks on the 24-year-old.
Nixon writes that Burnley fancy a potential winter swoop for Ballard amid their poor start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with the Clarets sitting in 18th and already with a goal difference of -13.
Ballard signed a new, long-term deal with Sunderland earlier in the season, as first revealed by Sunderland Nation, with the player now under contract until 2027.
Sunderland suffered a surprise 4-0 defeat vs Middlesbrough over the weekend, leaving Tony Mowbray's side in 4th place of the Championship table in time for this month's international break.
Burnley tried and failed to sign Ballard's Sunderland teammate Jack Clarke in the summer, seeing multiple bids knocked back.
Ballard to Burnley?
Ballard has made his comeback from injury this season, and he's looked good.
He's reminding fans of his quality after spending a lot of time out injured last season, and it was no surprise to see him quickly rewarded with a new contract.
So for Sunderland, Burnley's interest may not be so worrying.
The Black Cats don't have to accept any incoming bids but like with any other player, Sunderland will have a price.
West Ham wanted Ballard in the summer and they may yet reignite their interest, along with the Clarets.
Sunderland go up against Stoke City after the break.
Read more Sunderland news
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- EXCLUSIVE: Jack Clarke told he's not leaving Sunderland this summer
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