After an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League and a stellar international window in the past few weeks, it seems unlikely that Nathan Collins will feature for Burnley in the Championship next season. The Clarets have reportedly set a whopping £40 million price tag on the Leixlip native, but it looks as if compatriot Luke McNally could be set to replace Collins at Burnley should their valuation be met.
McNally is a 22-year-old centre back from Enfield who plays with Oxford United. McNally helped Oxford to a eighth place finish in League One this season during his first campaign with the U's. McNally scored 4 times in his 30 appearances at the club this season
It's being reported that new Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is keen on bringing the former Ireland underage player to Turf Moor ahead of the new season.
Oxford United value McNally at around £1.75 million and Burnley have had their opening two bids rejected but are expected to make another in an attempt to capture the signing of the Meath native.
Should Burnley meet the asking price, it will see his former side St. Patrick's Athletic earn a figure of around £300,000 due to the sell on clause in his contract.
Luke McNally and his footballing career
The centre back started his footballing career with his local club Enfield Celtic before being snapped up by his local League of Ireland club Drogheda United in 2015. McNally played for the clubs U17 side for two seasons before signing with St. Patrick's Atheltic.
After two seasons with Pats' youth academy, McNally signed his first professional contract and was loaned out to Drogheda United. Luke spent the 2019 League of Ireland season with the Drogs, scoring six times while being named Drogheda United's Young Player of the Season.
Then Pats manager Stephen O'Donnell decided to keep McNally at the club for the 2020 season and after being one of only three players to feature in every game, he was awarded the club's Young Player of the Season award.
3 August 2020; Luke McNally of St Patrick's Athletic and James Akintunde of Derry City during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
In January 2021, McNally signed a three year contract with Oxford United. Spurs had also been interested in the former Drogheda and Pats' man back in March with reports saying Oxford had turned down a bid in the region of £2 million for McNally.
Should Burnley and Oxford agree on a deal for McNally, it will be a great move for the Irishman, especially being under the guidance of one of the Premier League's greatest ever centre backs Vincent Kompany.
SEE ALSO: Report: Burnley Have Set An Astronomical Asking Price For Nathan Collins
