Kompany busy with PL plans for a big shout
VINCENT KOMPANY is in discussions over summer transfer targets after dismissing growing speculation about him leaving Burnley.
The former Manchester City defender – who also celebrated his 37th birthday last week – is fully focused on leading the Clarets into the Premier League after his stunning debut in English management.
And Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that last week former Anderlecht boss Kompany was immersed in compiling a list of summer transfer targets so Burnley can make a big impression back amongst the elite.
Steve Bruce recalls that a spying mission last July told him Burnley were going places in the Championship under Kompany.
A month or so later, a chat with the former Manchester City star confirmed to Bruce he was the real deal.
Bruce (above) said: “I went with my lad Alex to watch Burnley play at Huddersfield on the Friday night, the first game of the Championship season.
“I can remember my words to Alex, ‘This mob are going to take some beating’. The way they played, there was a wonderful freshness about them. You could see they had recruited brilliantly. There was a change of style and identity.
“For that alone you have to pay Vincent a big compliment.”
Kompany was anxious to bend Bruce’s ear following the 1-1 draw between West Brom and Burnley in September.
Bruce, then in charge of the Baggies, said: “We had a conversation for a good half-hour, 45 minutes. He asked loads of questions about how to deal with the relentlessness of the Championship – games on the Saturday, the Tuesday and then Saturday again. “Vincent also wanted my advice on how to deal with the break later in the season, with the World Cup.
“I hope he is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premier League. He has done a fantastic job.”
Burnley’s success under the Belgian has prompted speculation about job offers.
But Bruce added: “I’ve no doubt he will be in demand this summer with what he has achieved so quickly. The future is down to Vincent.
“Only he can decide what his next step is but I’m sure he is licking his lips to have a crack at the big league with Burnley.”