Burnley’s latest transfer move could be the green light Leeds United need to complete the deal for Connor Roberts

Leeds must also be patient when it comes to signing Roberts, with Burnley yet to appoint a new manager following Vincent Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich a month ago.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was close to getting the job at one point, but it looks like he will be joining Manchester United to be part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.

A decision on Roberts’ future may not come until their managerial situation is clarified, although Burnley will need to sell some members of their over-inflated squad this summer.

Burnley have just given Leeds a major boost in their pursuit of Roberts

It would not be surprising if Burnley were keen to keep hold of Roberts given his track record of being a reliable performer at this level.

During the 2022/23 Championship title-winning campaign, Roberts was named in the division’s TOTS after scoring four goals and providing six assists in 43 appearances.

However, he has barely had a chance in the Premier League in the last term and hinted upon his deadline day loan arrival in January that he would be keen on a permanent move to Leeds.

And Daniel Farke may have just been given the green light he needed to make a move after Burnley confirmed the signing of PSV right-back Shurandy Sambo on Friday.

Sambo made 11 Eredivisie appearances for PSV last season and so there is no doubt that he has come to play first-team football at Turf Moor, pushing Roberts further up the pecking order.

The 28-year-old is now effectively third choice, given that Vitinho was also the preferred option ahead of the Welshman even before his move to Leeds.

Leeds will now be hoping they may no longer have to wait for Burnley to make a managerial appointment so they can get a deal done quickly, in a position they are currently short on.

What did Roberts say about the future of Leeds?

As mentioned, when Roberts first arrived at Leeds on loan in January, he dropped a big hint that Elland Road was where he could see his long-term future.

However, he only started two league games during his time at Leeds and his lack of game time may have changed that position. His message to supporters on Instagram read like goodbye.

In the grand scheme of things, an Instagram post means very little, though, and if the opportunity to make a comeback came up, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he took it.

He wrote: “Her football..Obviously so disappointed not to achieve what we all wanted but honestly what a huge privilege to play just a handful of games and be involved at this incredible club Football.

“A priceless experience and something I will remember forever! Thanks for the spectacular support, ladies and gentlemen!”

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