Burnley midfielder closing in on sealing permanent exit from Championship leaders | OneFootball

Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood is closing in on sealing a permanent departure from the club, according to a report from 90min.

It is understood that Westwood is set to seal a switch to Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.

Westwood will sign a three-year deal with the American outfit if a deal is finalised in the coming weeks.

The 32-year-old has yet to make an appearance for Burnley in the Championship this season due to a serious ankle injury that he sustained during the latter stages of the previous campaign.

In the absence of Westwood, Clarets manager Vincent Kompany has turned to the likes of Jack Cork, Josh Cullen and Josh Brownhill for inspiration in central midfield.

Burnley’s superb run of results in the second-tier continued yesterday as they sealed a 2-1 victory over Swansea City.

A brace from Ian Maatsen secured a 16th league win of the season for the Clarets who are now five points clear of their nearest challengers Sheffield United in the standings.

Kompany’s side are set to face AFC Bournemouth in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend before making their return to Championship action on January 14th.

Set to take on Coventry City at Turf Moor in this upcoming league fixture, it will be interesting to see whether Burnley have parted ways with Westwood before this fixture takes place.

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The Verdict

If this report turns out to be correct, Westwood is likely to have played his final game for Burnley.

During his time at the club, the midfielder managed to produce some assured performances in the Premier League.

As well as scoring seven goals for his side at this level, Westwood also provided a respectable total of 23 assists for team-mates in 181 appearances.

Unable to make a full recovery from his injury during the first half of the current campaign, the former Aston Villa man will be hoping to make a positive impression for Charlotte FC by avoiding further setbacks later this year.

As for Burnley, they may not necessarily miss Westwood if he does seal a move away from the club as they have been thriving in his enforced absence this season in the Championship under the guidance of Kompany.