According to L’Equipe, Burnley have joined Derby County and several other Championship clubs in the race to sign St Etienne central defender Harold Moukoudi.
The Rams, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City were linked with him last week. Le Parisien claim loan bids were put forward but they were ultimately turned down.
Moukoudi has been in and out of St Etienne’s starting eleven this season. He has made 11 league starts, averaging 2.5 tackles and an 86.8% pass-accuracy rate.
It is suggested that manager Claude Puel isn’t keen on losing him this month.
But, that hasn’t stopped the 22-year-old reportedly attracting plenty of interest with Premier League side Burnley the latest team to be eyeing up his signature.
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The Clarets have been linked with him before. According to the Daily Mail back in the summer of 2018, the Lancashire club joined West Ham United in the race to sign him. Moukoudi was at Le Havre at the time and rated at a hefty £10.7 million fee.
Moukoudi still has plenty of time on his side to reach his potential. That said, he could benefit from a move away from St Etienne and a proper run of regular first team football.
Derby are crying out for a new central defender. Richard Keogh’s sacking has left a void at the back, with Curtis Davies, 34, and Brighton loanee Matt Clarke current first teamers.
Tthe Rams could soon be down to just one natural centre-back.
The transfer window has been a frustrating time for Derby boss Phillip Cocu. The club have yet to strengthen and could miss out on some top targets.
Burnley appear the most equipped to sign Moukoudi. Sean Dyche’s side may target the Cameroon international in a bid to help fend off the threat of relegation.
Also see: Derby miss out as reported 24-year-old target signs deal with Championship rivals
Also see: Championship rivals reportedly set to beat Derby to signing of £13m ace