Burnley set for transfer blow as Fulham prepare £6m swoop for seven-goal winger | OneFootball

Burnley could be set to miss out on the permanent signing of Jacob Bruun Larsen from Hoffenheim as Premier League side Fulham prepare a bid for the winger.

Bruun Larsen spent last season on loan at Turf Moor, and he was one of the standout performers in what was an incredibly disappointing campaign for the Clarets as they were relegated from the top flight with a total of just 24 points.

In addition to Bruun Larsen's six Premier League goals, he also scored once in the EFL Cup, and Burnley announced in their retained list that they were exploring a permanent move for the 25-year-old.

However, they could now be set for disappointment as journalist Alan Nixon claims that Fulham are plotting a £6 million move for Bruun Larsen, and the Cottagers are close to reaching an agreement with Hoffenheim.

It is the latest blow for the Clarets after another of last season's loanees, defender Lorenz Assignon, rejected the chance to return to the club this summer, but they have signed Maxime Esteve and Mike Tresor permanently.

Burnley are currently without a manager after Vincent Kompany's departure to Bayern Munich, and Craig Bellamy has been appointed as acting head coach, while Frank Lampard, Steve Cooper, Scott Parker, Raphael Wicky, Marti Cifuentes, Carlos Corberan and Alan Pardew have all been linked with the job.

Jacob Bruun Larsen reflects on Burnley loan spell

Speaking prior to his move to Bayern, Kompany revealed that he was keen to bring Bruun Larsen back to Turf Moor this summer.

In a post on social media last month, Bruun Larsen said that he had "fallen in love" with the club, but he admitted he was unsure where his long-term future lies.

"As the season ends I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your constant support," Bruun Larsen wrote on Instagram.

"I was filled with sadness that the season ended with relegation but feel sure the joy can return again soon.

"To every one of you who supports us - thank you. We hear you. It means so much.

"To everyone who works for this amazing football club - thank you. This is why we are a team that will never give up. "I have fallen in love with this club and have given everything, all season, and I feel proud to be your top scorer.

"I do not know yet what the future holds - but for now, again, thank you."

On the basis of those words, it seems likely that Bruun Larsen would have been open to a return to Lancashire this summer, but as Fulham reportedly close in on a deal, he will get the opportunity to remain in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.

Jacob Bruun Larsen situation underlines need for Burnley managerial resolution

In truth, it always seemed unlikely Burnley would be able to bring Bruun Larsen back to the club this summer, but Kompany's exit will not have helped their hopes of securing his return.

Bruun Larsen was one of few players to emerge with any credit from the Clarets' disappointing relegation season as he finished as their top scorer, and he certainly deserves to stay in the Premier League.

The winger is also part of the Denmark squad for Euro 2024, so playing in the top flight will be important for his international career.

However, it would have been difficult for Burnley to convince Bruun Larsen to return without a manager in place, and with other star players likely to attract interest over the coming weeks, it is essential that owner Alan Pace makes an appointment soon.