Sunderland could miss out on a key transfer target Harry Brockbank after it emerged that Burnley are also interested, report The Northern Echo.

According to The Sun on Sunday (9/6; page 61), Brockbank has been on Sunderland's shortlist for a while now, after the right-back impressed for Bolton at the end of last season.

Brockbank made only three appearances last season, all of which Bolton lost, but that apparently didn't stop him from attracting attention from several clubs including Burnley, Brentford and Ipswich.

With Bolton still in administration and no takeover happening as yet, Brockbank could be available on a free, although a compensation fee will have to be paid as he is only 20-years-old.

That means that despite Premier League interest, Sunderland could easily snap him up if they offer him the most enticing contract. Sunderland have a possible advantage in that they'd be able to offer him first-team football, too.

Sunderland are also in a takeover situation themselves, and it is likely that has hindered their movements in the transfer market with things up in the air.

The Verdict

Not much is known about Brockbank but he is clearly a very highly-rated young player to have so much interest in him. It would be a great bargain if Sunderland manage to bring him in, as compared to Burnley and Brentford they aren't the most exciting prospect currently.

It would be a surprise if he turned down Burnley and the opportunity to work under Sean Dyche if they came in with an offer. However, he might prefer the opportunity to play regularly which he probably wouldn't get at The Clarets.