Burnley are now plotting a summer move for an "incredible" 31-cap international, who is represented by the same agent as Lyle Foster.
Clarets eyeing reinforcements amid poor form
The Clarets have won just three Premier League games all season, and have failed to take all three points in 16 matches, which is their worst run of form in 136 years.
Consequently, Scott Parker's side are now 11 points from safety and look destined to be relegated to the Championship, having failed to strengthen sufficiently in January, with James Ward-Prowse the only new arrival.
Speaking after the 2-0 defeat against West Ham United last time out, Parker said: "It was a tough day. A really disappointing outcome to a really important game. You can see a fragility to us at the moment. It was an edgy environment. You could feel it in the stadium.
Burnley manager Scott Parker looks dejected after the match
"We showed a real endeavour in the second half but we didn’t take our chances. I can’t fault the effort of the boys. I can’t be hugely critical today. But ultimately we fell short."
With relegation looking increasingly likely, it could make sense to start preparing for life in the second tier next season, and the Turf Moor outfit have now set their sights on a new midfielder.
According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon (via Football League World), Burnley are now plotting a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who joined Sheffield United on loan during the January transfer window.
The Clarets have identified the central midfielder as a potential target, as they believe he has the quality to lead them to promotion next season, but there could be competition for his signature, as he has already impressed new manager Chris Wilder.
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Sheffield United January signing already impressing staff behind the scenes
Wilder revealed his delight with the new arrival following the win over Oxford.
"Incredible" Phillips could be solid signing for Burnley
The Englishman is experienced at the highest level, having picked up 31 caps for the Three Lions, and he has received high praise from Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who described the former Leeds United man as "incredible".
The maestro, who has the same agent as Burnley striker Foster, also has experience in the Championship, impressing during the 2019-20 campaign, with Leeds going on to win automatic promotion.
The Sheffield United loanee's injury record makes for grim reading, spending time on the treatment table due to an Achilles tendon issue last season, and he has made just one appearance in all competitions this term.
However, at 30-years-old, Phillips still has plenty of time to turn things around, and given that he is tried and tested in the Championship, he could be a solid signing for Burnley, who will most likely need to build a squad capable of fighting for an instant return to the Premier League.