"Absolutely stupid" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to Burnley, Josh Sargent update | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has given his thoughts on Burnley's summer bid for Norwich striker Josh Sargent.

After scoring 15 times in the Championship last term, Norwich City striker Josh Sargent was a sought-after player over the summer.

The USA international has become an established forward at Championship level for the Canaries, and has carried his form over into a new term once again - after scoring five goals in the opening four games.

Naturally, the 25-year-old was the subject of speculation over the summer, with Sargent turning down the chance to join Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg after a £20 million bid was accepted for the American.

It was also recently revealed by Alan Nixon that Burnley, recently promoted to the Premier League, attempted to sign Sargent; however, the offer was just £1.5 million up front, with 'complicated extras' to take the overall package to £10 million.

To no surprise, the approach was rebuffed, and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie also emphasised his surprise, exclusively telling Football League World that the fee is "nothing these days."

Lee Hendrie speaks on the shock Burnley approach

"I think Norwich would have expected a lot more," said Hendrie when asked whether it was a surprise that the Canaries rebuffed the offer.

"I can understand why they rejected the offer, because that fee is absolutely nothing these days. For the sake of keeping hold of him, it would be absolutely stupid if they sold him at that fee."

After finishing second in the Championship last term, Burnley were looking to strengthen ahead of their Premier League return; however, the Clarets seemingly had no room to spend their Premier League riches on Sargent, and Hendrie admitted that it is no surprise that the American is still a Norwich player.

"For me, there is no surprise at all that it got rejected, and probably laughed at, to be quite honest."

Sargent is the man to lead Norwich's push

After a highly disappointing season last time out, which ended with Norwich finishing 13th, the Canaries are looking to cement themselves back in the promotion-chasing places under Liam Manning, after winning two and losing two of their opening four matches.

The international break will have offered a good chance to assess what has been an in-and-out opening period for Norwich, and a positive result against a strong Coventry side would be a perfect way to kickstart some form.

Sargent is a proven goalscorer at this level and someone who has continued to shift through the gears throughout his time in East Anglia. Now entering the prime years of his career, he is someone who Norwich should be looking to build around as they look to fight for Premier League football.

Another term with a fantastic goal return would mean a summer of speculation again. However, if there is a viable promotion-winning project at Carrow Road, there is no reason that the USA international isn't the man to build around.