Burnley leading Liverpool, Spurs in race for non-league wonderkid

Burnley are leading the chase for York City starlet Vinnie Steels, sources have told TEAMtalk.

The 16-year-old, who only moved to Bootham Crescent from North East rivals Darlington in February, has already made his first-team debut.

However, he is not yet on a professional and because York are non-league, they will not be due any compensation for the player – should he decide to leave.

Burnley have permission to talk to the club player, something York have confirmed – although TEAMTalk can reveal that up to a dozen clubs are keen on landing Steels.

York sporting director Dave Penney said: “This is a great opportunity for Vinnie to move to a Premier League club and we wish him all the best.

“Burnley have complied with all the rules and gave seven days’ notice, last week, of their intentions to approach the player. Both Vinnie and his agent will now be free to talk to Burnley’s representatives on Wednesday.

“As we are no longer protected by the EPPP, we have little protection against the biggest clubs when it comes to holding on to our best young players.”

We understand that Liverpool, Tottenham, Wolves, Huddersfield, Southampton and the North East’s big three Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are amongst the clubs to shown an interest in landing Steels.

However, Burnley are very much in pole position with first-team boss Sean Dyche taking a personal interest in landing the teenager.