McBurnie planning summer talks

OLI McBurnie says he is set to sit down with Swansea City at the end of the season to discuss his future amid strong speculation linking him with a permanent move away from the Liberty Stadium.

The Scottish international is currently on loan at Championship strugglers Barnsley and has impressed since his arrival at Oakwell, netting nine goals in 16 Championship outings.

His red-hot form for the Tykes saw him recently crowned their Player of the Year, despite having only arrived at the club three months ago, and his future at the Liberty Stadium has subsequently become the subject of strong speculation.

McBurnie’s boyhood club Leeds United have persistently been credited with an interest, with the Whites currently under the stewardship of Paul Heckingbottom, who during his last few days as Barnsley boss convinced the 21-year-old to sign on in south Yorkshire on the deadline day of the January transfer window, having previously seen a move in the summer fall through due to an administrative error.

With a year left on his current deal at the Liberty Stadium, the striker’s future could well depend on whether Swansea are successful in their bid to stay in the Premier League, with McBurnie himself admitting that the opportunity to challenge for a regular starting spot in the top flight could be appealing.

However, he told the Yorkshire Post that his current focus was on preserving Barnsley’s Championship status.

“Of course, it [playing in the Premier League] has always been a goal,” he said. “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.”