Burnley may be still looking for a manager and might still be trying to get some transfer business done in terms of fresh faces but the Clarets have already secured the future of one of their current players.

That's because, as reported by The Athletic, the side have managed to tie up a new contract for Ashley Barnes despite their relegation to the Championship.

The 32-year-old has remained a rotation option for the side during their stint in the Premier League and has previously had a superb record in the Championship for both his current side and for Brighton before them. If he can hit that same kind of form, he could be an asset again in the second tier.

 

 

They'll have the chance to let him test that out too, with the forward now agreeing a new one-year deal that will at least let him help them in their first campaign back in the second division.

His gametime has become less and less frequent for the Clarets though and he managed only eight starts for the side in the top flight last year as they were relegated down to the Championship.

He bagged only one goal along the way - but his side will clearly be hoping that a return to the second tier could ultimately lead to an upturn in goal production too and have tied him down to an extension because of it.

It means that Burnley will have at least one familiar face leading the line for them in the Championship.

The Verdict

Ashley Barnes has previously proven he can be a goalscorer for the side in both the Premier League and the Championship and even if he ends up being merely a rotation option for the side, he could be valuable next season.

He's been with the Clarets for nine seasons now and is a familiar face that can imbue his experience on any new signing that heads to Turf Moor. He might not be as prolific as other names but he might not need to be - all he will need is to ensure that he chips in with goals when he can and offers plenty when he is turned to.

The striker is a familiar face to many at Burnley and even if he is pushed down the pecking order when it comes to signings from whatever new boss comes in, they will no doubt appreciate the fact they have a Clarets mainstay still at the club to help them out and to pass wisdom on to any youngsters.

As a short extension too, the deal is solid enough business.