HARRY Vaughan is a target for Premier League Burnley, with the Clarets looking to strike an agreement ahead of the January transfer window, The Oldham Times understands.

It is not the first time the Clarets have shown interest in Latics’ talented teen, with the Lemsagam brothers turning down a bid of around £200,000 in the summer.

But Burnley have maintained their pursuit of the attacking midfielder during the first half of the season and, in a bid to steal a march on their rivals, are believed to have prepared an improved offer for a player who has also attracted interest from top flight teams including Everton and Manchester City, where he spent time training with the Academy at the end of last season.

And this time it appears to be enough to tempt owner Abdallah Lemsagam into a change of heart as the club seeks to recover some of the ongoing cost of the Covid-19 pandemic, and general running costs of the club.

Vaughan’s departure would also free up a place in a squad that is restricted in size due to the transfer embargo enforced by the club’s loan agreement with the Football League, unless the 17-year-old is loaned back to Latics for the remainder of the season.

Vaughan has picked up where he left off in his breakthrough season, making his full debut in the Carabao Cup second round penalty shoot-out win over Accrington Stanley, scoring his first senior goals - against Harrogate in the league and the winner against Sunderland in the Papa John’s Trophy to set up a tie with Wigan Athletic next month, while he has also received international recognition with the Republic of Ireland age groups.

Academy star Vaughan burst onto the first team scene last season when he was handed his senior debut by Harry Kewell, following some impressive performances for the club’s Under 18s.

Vaughan made his bow from the bench in a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Barrow, as a 75th minute replacement for second half substitute Marcus Barnes.

He went on to make a further five appearances from the bench.

Vaughan did not feature in the pre-season friendly against Sean Dyche’s Burnley in July having been absent from the club for 10 days due to Covid restrictions.

However, the Clarets had been monitoring the eye-catching midfielder following his first team breakthrough, which led to him being offered a professional deal a year ahead of schedule in the summer by then head coach Keith Curle.

It is understood Curle was not consulted about Burnley’s summer offer for Vaughan, and only learned of the Premier League club’s interest AFTER the bid had been rejected.

With no permanent head coach yet in place following Curle’s departure in November sporting director Mo Lemsagam is handling the January transfer window activity.