Exclusive: Leeds United told they "could return for" current Burnley player after recent transfer reveal | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has spoken to FLW about the future of Marcus Edwards.

Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards has impressed in England since joining Burnley on loan in January.

The 26-year-old scored during the Clarets' win over Sheffield Wednesday at Turf Moor in February, while he also scored the winner against Southampton in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, and his general play has suggested that he will be a key player for Scott Parker's side during the run-in.

Burnley have reportedly paid an £800,000 loan fee to take Edwards until the end of the season, while they also hold an obligation to buy the attacker for £10 million if they win promotion back to the Premier League.

It's said that Edwards was also open to joining Burnley's promotion rivals Leeds United and Sunderland in January, but the Clarets won the race for his signature, and they will hope his performances can help them return to the top flight this term.

Leeds urged to explore possible summer move for Edwards

Ex-England international Carlton Palmer has spoken about the long-term future of Edwards, suggesting that Leeds should try and sign him in the summer if they win promotion and Burnley do not.

"Leeds United were in the race for Marcus Edwards along with Sunderland before Burnley managed to get his signature," Palmer said.

"Burnley hold an obligation to buy Edwards permanently if they return to the Premier League. Currently, Leeds United are at the top of the league, while Burnley are in the play-offs. Marcus Edwards has been in scintillating form for Burnley, so it will be interesting to see.

"I cannot see Leeds United failing to get back to the Premier League given the position that they are in. The 26-year-old was open to joining Leeds, as well as Sunderland, but I now think the only way he will move to Leeds United is if they get back to the Premier League.

"I do not see Burnley getting automatic promotion, so it will be about the play-offs. If they do go up, then Burnley have the option to sign him. It is a done deal, but if they do not, then I think he would be a good signing for Leeds United.

"Dan James has been first choice under Daniel Farke, and he has been sensational this term, registering double figures with goals and plenty of assists. Willy Gnonto has also provided much-needed competition, while Manor Solomon has also had a positive impact out wide.

"Of course, if Edwards is available, I think the priority for Leeds United, should they get promoted, would be a player to play up top, but if he becomes available, given his performances at Championship level for Burnley, I think it is one that they could return for as long as the fee is in the region that they can afford."

Edwards could be a real coup for Leeds

Whoever ends up signing Edwards on a permanent basis in the summer will have completed a real coup, especially if they get him for a fee in the region of £10 million, which is what Burnley are reportedly obligated to pay if they go up.

The winger has impressed in the Champions League, Europa League and Liga Portugal during his time at Sporting Lisbon, so if he can get back to his very best in English football, he could prove to be an excellent acquisition.

It will be interesting to see whether Burnley win promotion and sign Edwards in the summer, but if they are unable to do so, Leeds may well try and bring him to Elland Road instead.