Exclusive: Burnley plotting move to sign midfielder who made FA Cup history | OneFootball

Burnley are interested in Salford City prospect Marshall Heys, Football League World has learned

Burnley are plotting a move to sign Salford City prospect Marshall Heys, Football League World understands.

The Clarets rose to the top of the Championship this weekend by beating Coventry City 2-1 on an afternoon that saw both Sheffield United and Leeds drop points, and will be firmly fixated on completing their promotion bid under Scott Parker in the coming weeks.

However, Burnley are also thinking long-term, too, and have identified Heys as a target.

Burnley FC interested in Salford City's Marshall Heys

Sources close to FLW have exclusively revealed that Burnley are eyeing a move for Heys.

The 15-year-old midfielder is held in glowing regard at the Peninsula Stadium, and has been tipped for a big future in the game.

FLW has learned that the presence of former Manchester United duo Chris Casper and Nicky Butt on Burnley's academy coaching staff could potentially aid any potential move, with the latter having been at Salford until earlier this season.

It is understood that the pair are huge admirers of Heys, which means this situation is certainly one to monitor in the coming weeks and months.

Burnley FC target Marshall Heys has already made FA Cup history with Salford City

Heys, who currently plies his trade for the Ammies' under-18 side, made his professional debut earlier on in the campaign, making history in the process.

At 15 years, two months and six days, Heys became the youngest player to ever appear in the FA Cup for a professional club by coming on in the 90th minute in Salford's 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town.

That came after Heys had trained with Karl Robinson's first-team, who are currently 11th in League Two with six games to spare.

Heys has not added to his one senior appearance since then, although he was an unused substitute as Salford were on the receiving end of an 8-0 thrashing away to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the third-round on January 11.

Naturally, the talented midfielder may envisage a more clear pathway to consistent first-team football at Salford, but a move to Burnley could be tempting, especially with the likes of Butt on the coaching staff.