Football
Exclusive: Burnley Target Danny Welbeck Swoop as Brighton Hesitate Over New Deal
Burnley is eyeing a move for Brighton's Danny Welbeck as his contract runs down. Welbeck, 34, is a target for Burnley manager Scott Parker as they aim to secure their Premier League status. Brighton may let him go for the right price as they look to build a young squad. Welbeck becomes a free agent in June and has a proven track record in the top-flight.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United - Premier League by Crystal Pix/MB Media | Getty Images
Brighton and Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck is wanted by Burnley if the Seagulls don’t offer him a new contract, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Experienced centre-forward Welbeck is out of contract next summer and, aged 34, is now in the twilight of his career respectively.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal ace extended his Brighton contract by two years in May 2024, but as yet no deal has been struck between the south coast club and the player.
And our sources have learnt that the ex-England international is a player much-admired by Clarets boss Scott Parker, who is looking to add some welcome experience to his squad as they look to retain their Premier League status this season following last term’s memorable promotion.
Welbeck became Brighton’s all-time Premier League scorer when he bagged his 31st goal for the club against Crytal Palace towards the end of last season.
But it is understood Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler is keen to build a young squad at the American Express Stadium, and Welbeck is a player the club would potentially let leave if the price is right.
FREE AGENT
The striker becomes a free agent in June and Brighton would like to get some return for his services before he can leave of his own accord.
However, there are likely to be no shortage of takers with Burnley hoping they entice Welbeck to Turf Moor, especially if they can show they mean business in the top-flight this season.
A proven Premier League campaigner, Welbeck has netted 113 career goals and played in the top-flight no fewer than 19 years throughout a distinguished career which shows no signs of slowing down.
Last season be bagged ten Premier League goals and this season has scored four in eight league games.
If he continues scoring at his current rate then Hurzeler and Brighton might have to rethink their strategy for the future.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.