Burnley are among the clubs eyeing a move for Bristol Rovers youngster Kofi Shaw this summer.
According to Alan Nixon, the Clarets have scouted the 18-year-old as they put one eye on their potential transfer business at the end of the campaign.
Brentford and Brighton have also been linked with the teenager, who has impressed since returning from his Yeovil Town loan spell in February.
Shaw’s made 10 appearances in League One so far this season, including seven starts, with Inigo Calderon’s side battling against relegation to the fourth tier.
Kofi Shaw transfer verdict
When asked about Burnley’s interest in Shaw, and whether the club can keep him, FLW’s Bristol Rovers fan pundit Ziggy Carter claimed that the player’s new contract from last year can give the League One side some leverage.
While he’d understand if the midfielder wanted to depart for potentially a Premier League side, he’s hopeful that Shaw will stay for another 12 months unless a big fee arrives.
“I believe that we need to do everything we can,” Carter told Football League World.
“He is by far the only player that looks interested at the moment, he’s a Bristol boy, so all the fans love him, and the thing the club did in the summer was tie him down to a contract extension until 2027 I think it is.
We took an in-depth look at Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw, who is attracting interest from Premier League and Championship clubs.
“So I think a hefty fee will have to come in for Rovers to accept.
“The owners do know how much the fans love him, so unless it’s a really high fee the owners do want to keep him to keep the fans on their side.
“Because I think they’ve followed what the fans have said recently, and losing Kofi Shaw would just be a massive loss for us.
“I think, from what I’ve seen online, a lot of the fans have kind of accepted that he’s way too good for our level and are hoping to keep him for another year or so, and then get some money off him.
“His highlight reel, and the fact he’s so young as well, means that they can train him whichever way they want, and I think he could be tempted by Burnley.
| Kofi Shaw – Bristol Rovers league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 1 (0) | 0 | ||
| 2024-25 | 10 (7) | 0 | ||
| As of April 8th | ||||
“Obviously, will most likely be in the Premier League next season, I think having the chance to be in the realm of the Premier League would be a massive thing for him.
“And it would also shine a good light on the academy, showing what’s been going on, and how we do have the facilities to train really good players.
“So I think he could be tempted by Burnley, and I think Rovers will be tempted by Burnley, especially if they get a Premier League budget next season, which they more than likely will.”
New contract was a smart move by Bristol Rovers
Shaw’s three-year deal signed in 2024 will prove shrewd business this summer if a bidding war ensues over the player.
Bristol Rovers have given themselves a strong negotiating position, so they can command a high fee or else keep the player for another year.
While supporters will want to see him stay, they could understand a sale if a sizable bid arrives from the likes of Burnley.
He is only 18 and possesses a lot of potential, but a big fee might be worth more to Bristol Rovers at this point as they need to add quality to their squad if they survive this relegation fight.
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