Burnley join Sheffield Utd and Stoke in January race for Champions League defender

Released Oct 15, 2026, 7:40 AM GMT +1

Emilio is a knowledgeable football reporter who has actually operated at Football FanCast for over 6 years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and business of football.

After finishing with top-notch honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn’t take wish for Emilio to start his journalism profession at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has actually composed for numerous of the business’s greatest football publications, consisting of Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. His competence depends on evaluating the trustworthiness of transfer stories, evaluating what possible offers imply for clubs on and off the pitch, and breaking down the broader ramifications of football’s greatest talking points.

Through years of covering Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on a weekly basis, Emilio has actually established a comprehensive understanding of North London’s most significant clubs, their recruitment techniques and the concerns that matter most to advocates. He has actually cultivated relied on contacts within the football market that assist notify his reporting and analysis.

Emilio has a specific interest in football financing, recruitment and business behind the contemporary video game. In his extra time, you can discover Emilio taking a trip the world, and even in a boxing ring.

Check in to your Football FanCast account

Burnley have actually signed up with Stoke City and Sheffield United in tracking Viking protector Henrik Heggheim ahead of the January transfer window.

Burnley sign up with Stoke City and Sheffield United in Henrik Heggheim transfer race

The Clarets have actually included the Norwegian to their list of possible protective targets, with recruitment personnel now following his development.

REUTERS/Robin Rudel

Stoke and Sheffield United are comprehended to have actually begun keeping track of Heggheim initially, which might produce an interesting Championship race if any of the 3 clubs choose to turn their early interest into an official technique, according to ontheminute.com

No talks or contact have actually been reported yet, however the variety of clubs enjoying Heggheim recommends his efficiencies have actually been observed well beyond Norway.

The 25-year-old has actually invested much of this season at ideal back however likewise has significant experience in main defence.

At 6 feet 2, he provides helpful height while still having the movement required to run in a broader position, which adaptability must interest all 3 clubs.

Burnley’s interest is especially reasonable.

The Clarets have actually withstood a challenging opening to the project and have actually yielded a lot of objectives, so another reliable protector might increase competitors and provide more methods to arrange their back line throughout the 2nd half of the season.

Stoke have actually made a much more powerful start and got in the current round of Championship components inside the play-off locations.

Their protective numbers have actually not been rather as convincing, however, leaving space for another addition if they wish to sustain a promo difficulty.

Sheffield United’s record at the back has actually been steadier, however Heggheim might still supply important depth and cover on the.

Heggheim understands Viking very well after establishing in the club’s academy and burglarizing their senior side before making a transfer to Brondby in 2021.

His spell far from Stavanger likewise consisted of a loan at Valerenga, however he went back to Viking in 2024 and has actually given that re-established himself, with his capability to contribute additional forward including another side to his video game.

Viking are likewise in a strong negotiating position and are under no instant pressure to money in, with his offer still having actually 2 years delegated run.

REUTERS/Robin Rudel

Burnley, Stoke and Sheffield United might all use Heggheim an appealing path into English football, however Viking will have the ability to require an offer that fits them.

At 25, Heggheim must be deemed a gamer efficient in assisting instantly instead of a long-lasting gamble.

Burnley are the current club to get in the image, however Stoke and Sheffield United have actually currently done some foundation.

The next action will be choosing whether hunting reports are strong enough to validate a January quote.