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West Ham United, Burnley 'chasing 12-goal Scottish youngster'

By Carter White | 23 April 2024

West Ham, Burnley 'chasing 12-goal Scottish youngster'

West Ham United and Burnley are reportedly keen on securing the services of Kilmarnock youngster Bobby Wales, who is currently on loan at Alloa Athletic.

West Ham United and Burnley are reportedly interested in signing Kilmarnock youngster Bobby Wales during the summer window.

The 18-year-old is currently experiencing his first extended spell of senior football while on loan at Scottish League One outfit Alloa Athletic.

Wales has impressed since moving on a temporary deal to the third-tier side earlier this season, finding the net on 12 occasions in 24 league appearances.

The attacker also has experience of playing for Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, earning 10 appearances across the 2022-23 campaign.

Wales possesses relative international pedigree, with his performances domestically seeing him earn a call-up for Scotland Under-19s this term.

West Ham United manager David Moyes pictured on March 10, 2024 © Reuters

West Ham, Burnley in hunt for Kilmarnock's Wales

According to FootballTransfers, two Premier League clubs are keen on securing the services of Kilmarnock's Wales during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that West Ham are monitoring the development of the 18-year-old, who has been a towering presence at the top end of the pitch for Alloa this season.

Scottish manager David Moyes and the Hammers are clearly looking to the future with the possible acquisition of Wales, who would enter the East Londoners' youth ranks.

It is also understood that Premier League strugglers Burnley are interested in the signing of Wales, meaning that West Ham could face some serious competition in the race for his signature.

The boyhood Kilmarnock fan won the Rising Academy Star award at Killie last season after bagging 25 goals for the club's youth teams across all competitions.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany looks dejected after the match on February 24, 2024 © Reuters

Burnley's focus on Scotland

With Wales's contract at Rugby Park expiring in the summer of 2025, Kilmarnock are at risk of losing the striker for nothing should they not sell this summer.

Burnley's interest in the 18-year-old does not come as a surprise to those who have been following the club's ventures into the Scottish game recently.

Earlier this season, the Clarets announced a strategic partnership with Premiership outfit Dundee, who already have a number of Burnley youngsters on loan.

Vincent Kompany's side are targeting Scotland as a potential hotbed for emerging talent - one which other Premier League clubs often neglect.