Sean Dyche has seemingly played down speculation linking Burnley with a move for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall.

Worrall has been a key player for Forest since returning from a loan spell at Rangers in 2018/19, playing a key role under Sabri Lamouchi last term.

The homegrown centre-half featured in every single one of Forest's 46 Championship fixtures last season, and made a total of 48 appearances across all competitions.

Quiz: What club did Nottingham Forest sign each of these 14 players on loan from?

Following Forest's failure to gain promotion to the Premier League last season, though, Burnley have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old.

With James Tarkowski being linked with West Ham United, the Clarets have reportedly eyed up Worrall as a potential replacement for the England international.

Via Nottinghamshire Live, though, Burnley boss Sean Dyche has seemingly poured cold water on the speculation linking Worrall with a move to Turf Moor.

He said: "On a list - you can keep throwing them in. Link us with as many as possible.

"I think we were linked with Kenny Burns as well to see if he was going to come out of retirement! Some centre-half mind you, I will say that.

"Larry Lloyd, I think, as well. Good combination, apparently, them two."

Worrall signed a new long-term deal at the City Ground last term, and committed his future to the club after a standout individual campaign last term.

The Verdict

Worrall is such an important player for Forest and they will not want to sell him this summer, especially after losing Matty Cash to Aston Villa in the same transfer window.

Worrall is still developing and still improving, and with another season of helping Forest fight for promotion under his belt, then he could be worth more next summer.

Forest do have defensive options to choose from, after recently signing Loic Mbe Soh from PSG, but losing Worrall would be a blow for sure.