Burnley transfer news: Clarets 'closing in' on signing of Benfica midfielder

Burnley reportedly set to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis on loan for the 2025-26 campaign.

The Clarets are looking to avoid an immediate return to the Championship under the tutelage of former Fulham boss Scott Parker.

Burnley struggled on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, losing at the home of Tottenham Hotspur.

Parker's troops were able to put that sobering result behind them last weekend, though, beating Sunderland 2-0 at Turf Moor.

Burnley face a trip to the third city of England on Saturday afternoon, when Manchester United are the hosts at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Burnley close to signing Benfica star?

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Burnley are closing in on the signing of a midfielder before the end of the window.

The report claims that the newly-promoted Clarets are in the final stages of securing a deal for Benfica man Luis this summer.

It is understood that Burnley will pay an initial £1.7m loan fee to have the 26-year-old at the club for the 2025-26 campaign.

There will be a £20m obligation to buy Luis for Burnley, should the Clarets manage to retain their Premier League status.

The former Monaco loanee has featured in two Primeira Liga matches for Benfica this term, although he has managed just 10 minutes of game time.

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Burnley's midfield options

Burnley are looking for reinforcements in the middle of the park following the departure of midfielder Josh Brownhill at the end of last season.

Josh Cullen remains from the Clarets' promotion-winning campaign of 2024-25 and found the net against Sunderland last time out.

The Irishman has paired in the midfield with Lesley Ugochukwu, who was forced off with an injury in the second half versus the Black Cats.