Rumour Mill-More Cherry Picking? Wes Thomas?

Many Clarets may well have thought that with Eddie Howe now out of the frame, that further links with Bournemouth in terms of transfers-in may well have waned! Not so! It would appear if rumours according to Sky Sports are true that new Burnley gaffer, Sean Dyche might also be tempted by talent at Dean Court.

Sky Sports understand that Burnley have lodged a bid for 25 year old Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas. Thomas has already spent some time on loan to a Championship club this season having played for local rivals, Blackpool.

The Clarets though could face competition from Blackburn Rovers now that the Tangerines former gaffer, Michael Appleton has moved to Ewood Park. Appleton is also thought to be keen to make the signing but it is reported that Burnley may have beaten him to it and made the first approach. These are not the only two clubs interested though with other media reports suggesting that Blackpool,Birmingham, Huddersfield, Derby and Watford have been linked with Thomas during the January transfer window. Sky Sports subsequently also reported that the Clarets had tabled an offer, which has been denied by the club, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

His future at Dean Court though does look in doubt.Thomas was left out of the Cherries squad for the League One victory over Hartlepool on Tuesday night continuing to fuel speculation that he could be leaving the club.

Any Burnley interest in strikers is bound to fuel speculation that we are looking for potential replacements for Charlie Austin should he leave the club. Austin has been linked recently with both Celtic and Everton although Sky Sports are careful to state that there is no suggestion that Thomas is being lined up as a replacement for the former Swindon forward.

Thomas in the past has played for Fisher Athletic, Thurrock, Waltham Forest, Dagenham & Redbridge, Cheltenham and Crawley and has also had loan spells at Grays Athletic and Rushden & Diamonds. He originally joined Bournemouth on loan in September 2011 with a view to a permanent contract which was duly signed and during his time at Dean Court has also had a loan spell at Portsmouth.

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