Burnely manager Sean Dyche is targeting a move for Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry, a report from The Sun has claimed.

A graduate of 'Boro's academy, Fry has made a total of 92 appearances in all competitions for the club's senior side since first making his debut back in 2015, and it seems his performances in that time have caught the eye of plenty currently in the Premier League.

According to the latest reports, Burnley are preparing a £10million bid for the defender, as they look to strengthen their backline in order to secure their place in the top flight beyond the end of this season.

There are currently three-and-a-half-years remaining on the England youth international's current contract at the Riverside Stadium, but it has been suggested that 'Boro chairman Steve Gibson could be forced to let the defender go in order to balance the books at the club.

It has also been implied that a possible swap between Fry and Ben Gibson - who left Middlesbrough for Burnley back in the summer of 2018 - could be explored here.

However, it is thought that the lack of funds that would secure for 'Boro, and the fact that Gibson's wages are higher than Fry's, could scupper the chances of that deal being completed.

The Verdict

This could be a useful signing for Burnley.

Fry has certainly been a key figure at the back for Middlesbrough in the past few seasons, so you can understand the Premier League side's interest in him here, given the increasing pressure they are under this season, and the boost his presence at the back could give them.

It will be interesting therefore, to see how much it may take for them to prise Fry away from the Riverside Stadium, given 'Boro are not going to want to lose such an important player without having the funds in place to bring in a reliable replacement.