McBurnie eager to get chance in Premier League

BARNSLEY loan striker 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 big motivation.

The 21-year-old, a target of hometown club Leeds United, plays the final game of his impressive loan 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.

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.

But if the Swans are relegated – 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 said: “Of course, it is 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 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.”

Barnsley are to beam back Sunday’s huge Championship game at Derby to fans at Oakwell – with the Reds’ full visiting allocation at Pride Park having been quickly snapped up.

Sheffield Wednesday Under23s duo Warren Clarke and Jack Lee have signed new contracts.

The news follows details of the Owls’ retained list, with captain Glenn Loovens, winger Ross Wallace and goalkeeper Jake Kean to leave the club.

Loovens, 34, is the most highprofile exit, with Wallace, 32, out with injury since February.

Los Angeles have announced that Hull City striker Adama Diomande is to join the club.

Diomande worked with Los Angeles head coach Bob Bradley with Norwegian side Stabaek IF.