The Burnley-Barnsley Rumour Mill Battles: Howard?

It would appear that already both Burnley and Barnsley could be fighting over West Brom central defender, Craig Dawson see our article below:

Rumour Mill-It's Burnley not Barnsley, Dawson!

Now it would appear there could be another battle in the continuing saga of the 'Wars of the Roses' with speculation now fuelled that both the Tykes and the Clarets could be interested in bringing veteran striker, Steve Howard to their respective clubs.

Howard, now 35 plies his trade of course with Leicester City at the moment but it is understood Foxes gaffer, Sven Goran Eriksson is eager to develop youth at Leicester and might be looking to let some of his older players depart the Walkers Stadium.

New Barnsley manager Keith Hill is understood to need some experience in his side and could see Howard as an ideal signing.

As far as Burnley are concerned though, bringing in a 35 year old could be wide of the mark with Eddie Howe having stated recently that he would like to reduce the average age of the side and bring on some of the younger players on the fringe of first team action. On the other hand, having released Steven Thompson, he could see Howard as an experienced bench striker.

Howard joined Leicester City from Derby County on New Year's Day January 2008 for a fee of £1.5 million, signing a three-and-a-half year contract. During his career he has also played for Hartlepool United, Northampton Town and Luton Town. On average he scores a goal in every 3-4 games helped of course by his aerial height at 6ft 3'.

Over the years a number of Burnley managers have shown interest in the player but you can't help thinking now that at 35, Howard could be past his best and not many Clarets fans, I suspect will be too worried should the Yorkshire outfit win this particular battle (assuming of course in this case we are even lining up to do battle!)

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