Burnley are already looking to sign a Championship star this summer ahead of promotion rivals Sheffield United, according to a new update.

Burnley on course for Championship promotion under Parker

The Clarets are in a hugely strong position to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with Scott Parker’s side second in the Championship and five points clear of the Blades in third.

Leeds (88 pts)

Sheffield United (83 pts)

Burnley (88 pts)

Oxford United (a)

Cardiff City (h)

Watford (a)

Stoke City (h)

Burnley (a)

Sheffield United (h)

Bristol City (h)

Stoke City (a)

QPR (a)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Blackburn Rovers (h)

Millwall (h)

Parker’s side have been brilliant in defence which has laid the promotion platform, conceding just 13 times in 42 games.

Burnley set the pace last Friday with a 2-1 win over Norwich City after goals from Hannibal Mejbri and Jaidon Anthony. Leeds also won 2-1 at home to Preston North End, however, Chris Wilder’s side lost 2-1 against Plymouth Argyle.

As a result, should Burnley win at Watford on Friday, a victory at Turf Moor against Sheffield United on Monday would guarantee promotion.

Owner Alan Pace could back Parker in the transfer market if Burnley go up, and by the looks of things, a new target from the second tier has emerged.

Burnley looking to sign £10m Championship star ahead of Sheffield United

According to reporter Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Burnley are one of five clubs interested in signing Stoke City attacker Million Manhoef.

As well as the Clarets, rivals Sheffield United are also interested in the winger along with Scottish giants Celtic and Belgian duo Genk and Club Brugge.

The Potters are looking for £10m to sell Manhoef this summer after spending just £3m on his services last January.

The 23-year-old, who mainly plays as a right-winger, is into double figures for goal contributions in 2024/25 and is under contract with Stoke until 2027.

Games

35

Goals

6

Assists

4

Minutes played

2,389

Manhoef was also praised by former manager Steven Schumacher last year, who described the attacker as a player who can make things happen.

“We expected him to take time to settle in, but since he’s got here, he’s been really positive. He’s shown what he can do, his ability that he’s got, and getting a goal like he got on Saturday will only do his confidence the world of good.

“We needed that type of player who can run towards the goal, take people on, get shots away and create for the team, so I’m not overly surprised that he’s starting to do that now. Like all players though, he’ll thrive off confidence. He thrives off belief and a run of games. Getting up to the speed and the intensity of the Championship is going to be key for him.”

Should Burnley win the race for Manhoef, he may rival loanee Marcus Edwards for a spot on the right-hand side, providing the Clarets go up and exercise their option to make Edwards’ move permanent.