Fleetwood Town are to expected to beat League One rivals Accrington Stanley to the loan signing of Burnley defender Jimmy Dunne, according to a report by Football Insider.

Both Lancashire based sides had been interested in signing the centre back on a temporary basis, but it is thought that the Cod Army have won the race for his signature.

Dunne spent the first half of last season on loan with Scottish Premier League side Hearts, before moving to another League One side, Sunderland, for the second half of the season.

The 21-year-old had spent the latter part of the 2017/18 campaign on loan with Accrington as they won promotion from League Two, but it now looks as though a return to the Wham Stadium is unlikely, with a move to Fleetwood seemingly imminent ahead of the close of the summer transfer window on Monday.

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A Republic of Ireland youth international, Dunne has yet to make a senior appearance for Burnley, and is now into the final 12 months of his contract at Turf Moor.

The Verdict

This could be a good move for Dunne.

With the defender apparently some way down the pecking order at Burnley, it seems better for him to head out on loan in order to enjoy more first-team football this season.

Given he is entering the final year of his contract at Burnley, I also think it will benefit him to play as much football as possible in a bid to earn himself a new deal, be that at Burnley or elsewhere.

This also looks to be a good deal for Fleetwood to me, considering they are getting a player with some clear potential given his recruitment by a top-flight side, and with experience at the higher end of League One following his loan move to Sunderland at the end of last year.