Burnley star in talks with Chelsea ownership over summer transfer - He could link up with ex-Hull, Derby boss | OneFootball

CJ Egan-Riley is entering the final weeks of his Burnley contract.

Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley is in talks with Strasbourg over a potential move this summer.

According to TBR Football, the defender is in discussions with Chelsea owners BlueCo over a possible switch to the Ligue 1 side.

Egan-Riley is out of contract with the Clarets this summer, making him a free agent going into the transfer window.

The centre-back featured 41 times in the Championship this past season, as Scott Parker’s side gained automatic promotion to the Premier League with a 100-point haul.

Burnley's CJ Egan-Riley in Chelsea discussions amid potential Strasbourg switch

Strasbourg are eyeing a move to sign Egan-Riley this summer, with the club aiming to secure qualification for European football next season.

Former Derby County and Hull City manager Liam Rosenior has earned major plaudits for his work with the French side, and are now one game away from securing a top six, or potentially even top four, finish in Ligue 1.

However, Strasbourg face competition in the race for the Burnley player’s signature, with Brighton, Brentford and West Ham all also said to be interested in a move.

It is understood that Chelsea scouts have recommended the move to Strasbourg, leading to their approach for the 22-year-old.

Whilst Burnley are still hoping they can tie down Egan-Riley to a new deal, it now appears that an exit is the likelier option, despite the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

Egan-Riley joined the Lancashire outfit in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City.

CJ Egan-Riley’s importance to Burnley

Egan-Riley spent time on loan at Hibernian and Jong PSV before breaking into the Burnley first team over the last 12 months.

The defender played 41 times in the Championship this past term, including 40 starts, as the team’s impressive defensive record laid the foundations for the club’s promotion success.

The centre-back also contributed one goal and one assist, with Parker’s side coming second in the table.

Egan-Riley will now be looking to make the jump up to top flight football next season, wherever he plies his trade.

Egan-Riley loss would be a blow for Burnley - Liam Rosenior could take his game to next level

A move to Strasbourg could be very exciting for Egan-Riley as the chance to play in France will allow him to experience top flight football, and potentially even European competition.

Rosenior has earned a strong reputation as a promising young coach, and the chance to work with him could also be enticing.

Being at a club in the same ownership group as Chelsea could also lead to a move to Stamford Bridge in the long run, which might be convincing for Egan-Riley.

But his departure will be a blow for Burnley as they’ll be losing a key part of their promotion team, making them weaker going into the Premier League without reinforcements being signed.