Leeds United: Whites hot for McBurnie '“ but Swans hold key to summer move

LEEDS UNITED target Oli McBurnie will address his future with parent club Swansea City in the close season '“ while admitting that proving his credentials in the Premier League remains a burning desire.
Swansea striker Oli McBurnie, who is currently seeing out his loan stint with Barnsley. PIC: Tony JohnsonSwansea striker Oli McBurnie, who is currently seeing out his loan stint with Barnsley. PIC: Tony Johnson
Swansea striker Oli McBurnie, who is currently seeing out his loan stint with Barnsley. PIC: Tony Johnson

The Leeds-born striker plays the final game of his impressive loan spell at Barnsley on Sunday lunch-time at Derby County and is hoping to crown his rewarding time with the Reds by helping them to rubber-stamp Championship safety.

McBurnie has plundered nine goals in 16 appearances for the Reds, with his feats seeing him secure the club’s player-of-the-year award ahead of last weekend’s home game with Brentford, despite being at the club for just under three months. The 21-year-old’s exploits have attracted the interest of a number of Championship clubs, including hometown club Leeds.

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One of Whites head coach Paul Heckingbottom’s final acts at Barnsley was to convince McBurnie to join the club on the final day of the winter window after Swansea sanctioned a move, with the Reds beating off interest from Sunderland to bring him.

It was a case of second time lucky for Heckingbottom, who thought he had signed McBurnie at the end of the summer window, only for paperwork issues to scupper the move.

After proving himself at second-tier level, it remains to be seen what McBurnie’s future holds with the Swans, with the striker contracted at the club until the end of next season.

Should the Welsh outfit remain in the top flight and win their survival fight, staking his claim for a starting spot next season would represent an attractive offer, McBurnie admits.

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But if the Swans are relegate, and mindful of his contractual situation, cashing in on his services amid plenty of interest would represent an option.

On earning a chance in the top flight, McBurnie – named as the Championship’s player of the month for February after scoring four goals in four appearances to boost Barnsley’s survival quest – said: “Of course, it has always been a goal. I have got another year left at Swansea and we will sit down and see what the best options for me are.

“Whether it is staying at Swansea or going out elsewhere.

“But, at the minute, all I am focusing on is Barnsley and on looking to keep Barnsley in this division.

“The summer feels miles away and we will cross that bridge when we come to it and see what happens.”