Leeds United and Burnley may U-turn on Josh Sargent raid | OneFootball

Leeds United and Burnley had both been linked with moves for Norwich's Josh Sargent in recent times

Norwich City's USMNT forward Josh Sargent had previously been the subject of interest from both Leeds United and Burnley, who currently play their football in the Premier League, but in light of a recent injury update, a deal now looks unlikely this January.

Now in his fifth full season as a Norwich City player since his £8million move from German outfit Werder Bremen in August 2021, USMNT forward Josh Sargent has long been the subject of interest from clubs in the UK and across the continent.

The American has had, by his standards, an off-season with the Canaries, but in his defence, the team as a collective have not been at the races, which has already resulted in the dismissal of former Bristol City head coach Liam Manning and the appointment of former Monaco and Rangers head coach Philippe Clement.

Sargent has scored six and assisted three goals in 20 Championship matches this season, and looks unlikely to add to that anytime soon, having been replaced just before half-time after picking up an injury.

It is not yet known the severity of the injury that the 25-year-old has picked up, but Canaries fans will be desperate that it is not too serious, having had numerous injury woes already this campaign.

Each of Ante Crnac, Mirko Topic, and Jose Cordoba, to name a few, have picked up injuries at various stages this season, with the former two out for the rest of the season with ACL injuries.

Whilst an injury to Sargent may well be a massive blow to Norwich and Clement, there may be one silver lining that Canaries supporters can take from it.

Sargent had been linked with both Leeds and Burnley during the summer, but a move never materialised, with both clubs settling for other targets instead; in Burnley's case, Armando Broja, and in Leeds' case, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke was the man who signed Sargent for Norwich all those years ago, so he will be very familiar with the American, but he opted elsewhere to boost his attacking options.

Sargent had very nearly returned to Germany over the summer, with VFL Wolfsburg having reportedly agreed a £21million fee with Norwich for Sargent's signature, only for the American to turn down the move and remain in Norfolk.

Josh Sargent has struggled for Norwich City, with a Premier League move this season now looking unlikely

Having netted five goals in his first four outings, Sargent has since scored just once in the following 16 league games, as he endures the worst goal-scoring form of his Norwich career since his first season with the club in the Premier League.

His form, mixed with the news of his latest injury, and Norwich likely commanding a hefty fee to part ways with the American mid-season, it now looks unlikely that Leeds or Burnley will return to a potential deal for him this January, much to the delight of Canaries supporters.

Under contract until the summer of 2028, Norwich are in a strong position when it comes to a potential deal for Sargent.

Though he has struggled to hit the heights this season that Championship fans have become accustomed to over the years, the Missouri-born forward remains a key asset for Norwich.

In his absence, it is likely that Jovon Makama will slot into the loan striking position in Clement's preferred 4-2-3-1 system, with the Belgian already having been forced to shuffle his side around due to the number of injuries they have had to endure.

Irishman Tony Springett started at full-back for his first Norwich appearance in almost three years in their 3-2 defeat away to Watford, having spent time out on loan with both Derby County and Northampton Town in between.

Norwich fans would much rather Sargent remain fit and in their side rather than out on the sidelines and risk transfer interest arising in him this January.