In an interview with Independent.ie, Burnley and Ireland defender Stephen Ward has revealed that his teammate Jeff Hendrick has been talking to his long-time friend Robbie Brady about the transfer speculation surrounding the Norwich man, and is in his ear trying to lure him to Turf Moor.
Brady has been linked with numerous clubs already this transfer window as his situation at Norwich has become difficult. Brady is facing accusations from the Canaries fans that his heart isn't in it as the club are languishing in 11th place in the Championship, but interest remains high in a player who showed what he can do at Euro 2016 last summer, and indeed with his form for Ireland over the past 18 months.
Reports emerged on Monday claiming that Burnley were leading the likes of Sunderland and Crystal Palace in their bid to bring Brady to the Premier League, and that prompted Jeff Hendrick to get in touch with his old Kevin's Boys teammate to see what the craic is, according to Ward.
Jeff has known Robbie for a long time as they played football together at school, so they have been texting each other about the transfer rumours.
Jeff has let Robbie know that this would be a great club for him to join and it would be fantastic to have him here because he would give us another dimension.
It would also be great to have another Irish voice around the place and I’ve love to see Robbie here, but we only find out about transfers when they are confirmed by the club. We tend to be the last people to find out.
I was surprised that Robbie didn’t get a move to a Premier League club after he did so well for Ireland at the Euros last summer, but I think the price tag Norwich put on him meant it didn’t happen.
While Brady has often been utilised at left-back, or left-wing-back for Norwich, Ward has that position well and truly locked down at Burnley, so were he to arrive at the club he would be competing with the likes of George Boyd and Ashley Barnes for a wide attacking spot, something every Irish fan would be happy to see.
It remains to be seen whether or not Burnley can come up with the funds to convince Norwich to sell, as Alex Neil seems to be in no rush despite the question marks over his form, but it seems as though Hendrick is eager to do his best to make it a possibility.
Hendrick is Burnley's record signing but that record would surely need to be broken again for Brady if the deal is to happen, and Burnley would gain even more fans around these parts by adding to their Irish contingent.
We'll keep you updated on the Dubliner's future as we get closer to the end of the transfer window.
