Hayen says Burnley are looking to replace Flemming ‘if he goes’ – amid interest from Ipswich | OneFootball

Nicky Hayen admits Burnley would prefer to keep Zian Flemming amid interest from Ipswich but accepts a suitable offer could see the striker leave before the transfer window closes.

Flemming has attracted interest from Ipswich with the deadline approaching, although Burnley boss Hayen insists the Dutchman remains part of his plans for now.

The Clarets are also prepared for the possibility of Flemming’s departure, with Hayen revealing the club already have potential replacements in mind should a deal be agreed.

“Clubs, of course, until the end of the window, are talking to each other to find agreements. Everyone has a value, which is what I always said,” Hayen said.

“Of course there’s interest in Zian, but at the end of the day, we will know if he will stay or go.

“If he goes, and I say if he goes, I think we have to find a replacement.

“We’re always busy with options, so if one player goes, we also have a list that another player has to come. So that’s common business as usual.”

Hayen made it clear he would rather see Flemming remain at Turf Moor, describing him as an important member of his squad.

“Of course it is,” he said when asked if he wants Flemming to stay.

“Zian is really important for the team, we know, so I’d rather want to keep him than let him go.

“But like I said, everyone has the ambition to play at the highest level possible, but there’s also a value of the player.

“When, for example, a club pays the value for the player, it will be difficult to keep him. But until then, he’s still part of our team.”

“We work in a transparent way and that’s the way I want to communicate also with the people.

“I’m totally aware of what is going on and, of course, when someone goes out, we try to replace him.

“But like we said, we still have enough names we can work with and I think the most important thing for us is preparing the game in the best possible way.”