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Three players Burnley should sign

Sports Mole picks out three signings that we believe would help to keep Burnley in the Premier League next season.

The buzzword around Turf Moor throughout the 2014-15 Premier League campaign will be 'survival'.

Prior to the start of last season's Championship campaign, Sean Dyche's men were expected to languish in mid-table. Yet, they maintained their early pace all the way through to May to secure automatic promotion alongside champions Leicester City.

Now, Dyche's attention will be fixed on securing the services of players that will give Burnley the best chance of retaining their status as a top flight outfit. Here, Sports Mole has selected three that we believe would be key additions.


Michael Keane, Manchester United

Michael Keane of Manchester United controls the ball during the match between the A-League All-Stars and Manchester United at ANZ Stadium on July 20, 2013© Getty Images

While having a proven goalscorer is perhaps the most crucial asset where a newly-promoted team is concerned, keeping strikers quiet at the other end is a close second. With former defender Dyche in charge, Burnley, unsurprisingly, had a well organised rearguard last term.

From their 46 Championship outings, the Clarets conceded just 37 goals - a statistic that none of their rivals could better. What's more, just 14 of those goals were shipped in front of their own supporters, which bodes well for the upcoming campaign.

Even so, Burnley got through last season with very few defensive options, so bolstering that area of the pitch is bound to be high on Dyche's agenda. In Keane, they would be getting a centre-back that may only be 21, but one that has experience of playing for the Man United first team and England at Under-21 level. He's also had three loan spells in the Championship and United are believed to be eager to see if he can cut his teeth in the Premier League.


James McArthur, Wigan Athletic

James McArthur of Wigan Athletic in action during the FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round Replay between Milton Keynes Dons and Wigan Athletic at Stadium mk on January 14, 2014© Getty Images

The likes of Dean Marney, David Jones and Michael Kightly have all played in the Premier League before, although it's probably fair to say that they struggled to produce the goods on a consistent basis. That's not to say that they won't have improved this time around, though.

Someone that did impress during his stint in England's top flight was McArthur, who remained in the Championship with Wigan last term. The 26-year-old was a key figure in the heart of the midfield as the Latics won the FA Cup in 2013 and then reached last season's final.

It was somewhat of surprise that he stayed with Wigan following their demotion, but their failure to gain promotion at the first attempt may spur the Scot on to seek a move. There is no doubting that McArthur would be a positive addition to the Burnley engine room with his tenacious and tireless style.


Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur scores his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on April 7, 2014© Getty Images

First and foremost, Burnley must ensure that last season's leading goalscorer Danny Ings is still their player come the end of the summer transfer window. His 21 goals in the Championship are a major reason as to why the club are now back in the Premier League.

Ings will need help, though, and that is something that Dyche seems to be only too aware of, having signed Marvin Sordell from Bolton Wanderers. Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes are also a part of the squad already, but none of that quartet have too much Premier League experience to call upon.

In fairness, neither does Kane, but the Spurs youngster has at least shown that he can score goals at that level. Tim Sherwood put his faith in the 20-year-old last season and he responded by scoring four goals in 11 outings. With Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado at White Hart Lane and speculation having suggested that Mauricio Pochettino is in the market for another striker, Kane could well be available on loan.

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Burnley boss Sean Dyche, photographed on August 24, 2013
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