Burnley FC and Sunderland chasing shock transfer deal for Sporting CP star Marcus Edwards | OneFootball

The two Championship sides are reportedly interested in a deal for Sporting CP winger Marcus Edwards

Championship promotion-chasing duo Burnley and Sunderland are both attempting to land a highly-ambitious late deal for Sporting CP winger Marcus Edwards.

That's according to a recent report from Portuguese outlet Record, where it is claimed the two sides have both made enquiries to land Edwards' signature.

Burnley and Sunderland, who played out a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor earlier this month, are in third and fourth position respectively, separated by just two points at the time of writing. They both remain firmly in contention to achieve automatic promotion, however, and will be hoping to conduct the requisite business to realise those ambitions come May.

A player like Edwards, then, could prove to be a complete game-changer for the complexion of the Championship promotion race, with either Burnley or Sunderland sure to see their hopes lifted considerably, should they succeed in getting an ambitious deal over the line in the coming days.

Burnley, Sunderland interested in Sporting CP's Marcus Edwards

The two sides are both believed to have lodged enquiries, the outcome of which remains unclear at this moment in time.

Record's report describes how both Burnley and Sunderland have "sought to understand" the conditions of a deal for the highly-rated winger, though the Black Cats are the club to have held the "most exploratory talks", essentially meaning their interest is more advanced.

It is not yet clear whether this would be a loan or a permanent move. However, Sunderland negotiated a similarly-ambitious loan deal for Roma midfielder Enzo Le Fee, which they are obligated to make permanent in the event of promotion, and could well do similar for Edwards.

The former Tottenham Hotspur prodigy has forged an impressive career in Portugal, which has previously prompted interest from a number of clubs back in England including Mikel Arteta's Arsenal just last summer, as per reports.

Edwards' finest individual campaign to date came in the 2022/23 term as he registered 12 and made nine assists - including two goals and two assists apiece in the UEFA Champions League - but has seemingly lost his way over the last twelve months or so.

The gifted winger was a bit-part player under now-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim last season, where he started just 15 league games. However, he has started only one occasion this time around, with a departure feeling very much on the cards.

Burnley FC, Sunderland target Marcus Edwards would be outstanding in the Championship

Although, from the outside looking in, Edwards' time in Portugal just seems to have soured somewhat, there is little contesting he could cause serious in the second-tier.

Edwards remains widely regarded among the finest wingers outside of Europe's traditional top-five leagues, and little wonder. The tricky attacker is blessed with exhilarating speed and can both score and set up goals, though his dribbling and close control is undoubtedly the most outstanding factor of his game.

The 26-year-old possesses extraordinary skill and lightning-quick feet, which would make him a nightmare to handle for just about any Championship full-back.

Edwards, make no mistake about it, would walk straight into the side either at Turf Moor and the Stadium of Light. His potential arrival at either of the two interested parties could have a huge say on the promotion race, although it is worth noting just how hard Burnley and Sunderland will have to work to convince a player of Edwards' class and pedigree to drop down to the Championship.