Fleetwood Town have swooped to sign 17-year-old Michael Fowler after his release from Premier League side Burnley.

Fowler served a two-year scholarship with the Clarets, but that's recently come to an end without him being offered a new deal.

Fleetwood boss Joey Barton has wasted no time at all in picking up the striker, who signs a two-and-a-half year professional contract with the Cod Army, as reported by Lancs Live.

He'll initially join up with the development squad, with a view to migrating to the senior set up if he progresses at the expected rate. Barton, a former Burnley player himself, was delighted with the capture.

“A lot of clubs in our division were interested in signing Michael, so we’re really pleased that we’ve managed to get this deal over the line.

“He’s an exciting young striker who loves to score goals, and we’re looking forward to watching his development continue with us.”

Fowler enjoyed loan spells with Padiham and Radcliffe FC this season, but wasn't able to convince the Burnley hierarchy he was worth a permanent deal. Under 23 boss Steve Stone backed Fowler to be a success, but couldn't see a path through for him at Turf Moor.

"In terms of Michael, it is where we see him in terms of progressing towards our first team,” Stone told the Lancashire Telegraph. 

“And we also have to be fair to the boy and we also felt that Michael would get closer to other teams’ first team or get a chance of a two-year contract at another club."

“We just thought the level for first team was going to be difficult for him and I hope I am proved wrong because he is a good lad and will get a contract somewhere else."

The Verdict

Fowler could be the next Jack Marriott, released by Ipswich to impress at Luton. Or he could be the next player to drop out of view and be a customer in your local builder's merchant in a couple of years talking about his former football career.

If he's afforded chances and works hard, there's no reason he can't be a Fleetwood success.