Burnley are reportedly in advanced talks with Sporting CP over a deal to sign forward Marcus Edwards as they look to close the gap on Leeds United at the top of the Championship.

The Clarets are aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated last season and are currently third in the table, three points adrift of the Whites. The two teams played out a dull goalless draw on Monday evening.

But Scott Parker's team are gearing up for a strong end to the season, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that they are in advanced talks with Sporting CP over a deal to sign former Tottenham Hotspur and England youth international Edwards.

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It is claimed that negotiations between all parties are at the "final stages" and that Edwards had been convinced to move to Turf Moor due to his relationship with Parker - a player at Tottenham Hotspur when Edwards was on the club's books as a youngster.

Edwards, 26, joined Spurs aged eight and spent 14 years at the club before moving to Portuguese outfit Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2019. After several seasons impressing with Guimaraes, former England youth international Edwards joined reigning Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP in January 2022 for roughly £5m.

Since then, Edwards has contributed 50 goals and assists in 120 games for Sporting CP across all competitions and last season, he was part of Ruben Amorim's side that won the Primeira Liga title.

In September 2022, Amorim tipped Edwards to earn a first senior England call-up after impressing in a Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

“He’s very strong between the lines," Amorim said. "He was very confident for this game. He knew personally some of Tottenham’s players. So this is his development. He has the characteristics, he has the talent, and he can make it into the England national team.”

Edwards has also been linked with moves to Sunderland and Everton this month.