Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve has been watched by AC Milan scouts again with West Ham now keen too, as per Alan Nixon.
Burnley are looking to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Clarets are battling Leeds United and Sheffield United in the fight for automatic promotion from the Championship. Two defeats in 38 games has the club in a fine position with a fantastic defensive record key to their success.
Burnley boss Scott Parker
Image courtesy of: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS.
Their brilliant backline has featured star man Maxime Esteve. The Frenchman was solid in the Premier League and after staying following relegation, the 22-year-old has arguably been one of the most important players for Scott Parker.
Esteve has been linked with clubs before and now, Alan Nixon states admirers AC Milan have been on another scouting trip to watch the Burnley star.
The Italian giants watched him impress against West Brom, but also in attendance were Everton and West Ham.
The Hammers’ interest is new, with Esteve potentially a summer option at the London Stadium.
Esteve’s stock on the up
Esteve had caught the eye in France with Montpellier, hence why Burnley signed him for Premier League football.
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There was perhaps a bit of surprise he stayed at Turf Moor before the start of the season despite how recently the buy option in his loan had been triggered. However, he stayed put and as touched on before, his presence in the backline has been vital.
burnley players
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
The defender has formed a fine partnership with CJ Egan-Riley, playing 38 times in the Championship. On all but two occasions, Esteve has completed the full 90 minutes.
As Esteve develops and impresses, it feels as though promotion is a must if Burnley are to have any chance of keeping him.
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That is especially the case with the calibre of some of the sides eyeing him ahead of the summer.
Even then, promotion might not be enough. There could be big money on offer for the left-footed centre-back and even with a step back up to the Premier League, it could be that he makes a bigger jump to a side eager to challenge further up the table, or even for titles overseas at AC Milan.
Until then though, Esteve and Burnley will be laser focused on the final eight games of their season.
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