According to The Sun on Sunday (03/01/2021, Page 57), Burnley are interested in signing highly rated Derby County midfielder Jason Knight.
The Republic of Ireland international has been one of Derby’s best players this season.
Breaking through during the 2019-20 campaign, Knight has established himself as a first-teamer at Derby and rarely ever has a bad game for the Rams.
The 19-year-old is extremely energetic and mobile. His versatility has seen him operated both in a wide role and centrally as he regularly tops Derby’s running charts.
Speaking to RamsTV back in 2019, Rooney says Knight reminds him of his younger years.
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“I’ve been really impressed with the way they’ve trained, particularly Knighty. His energy, his attitude. He almost reminds me of myself when I was younger in terms of no fear. And he’s got an aggression about him, not in terms of how he’s tackling, but in terms of how he runs, how he gets about the pitch. I’m looking forward to see how they do as I feel he can give us a lot of energy and a lot of creativity.”
Knight made 31 league appearances last season, scoring six goals. This term he has two goals from 21 starts, while his 2.1 average fouled ranks in the Championship’s top ten.
It has been a superb rise for the Irishman, and alongside the likes of Max Bird, Louie Sibley, Morgan Whittaker and Lee Buchanan make up a string of academy successes.
Burnley, established in the Premier League, didn’t make any signings in the summer and will be looking at January to bolster their squad to preserve their top-flight status.
The Clarets have an interesting recent history of signing players from Derby. Jason Shackell, Matej Vydra and Jeff Hendrick all made the move to Turf Moor from Pride Park.
Knight, however, arguably has more potential than his fellow countrymen Hendrick and he will be hoping to emulate the Irishman’s success both domestically and on the international stage.
Derby certainly won’t want to lose their prized asset. However, the Rams haven’t been shy in selling their top talents with Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe leaving last summer.
Also see: Report: Top-flight giants tracking ‘special’ Derby youngster who has impressed Wayne Rooney
Also see: Report: Club keen to sell Derby and Leeds target to raise cash for Declan Rice pursuit