Burnley news: CJ Egan-Riley rejects Clarets contract offer

Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley has turned down a contract offer to pursue a move to France.

The 22-year-old had been offered a “significant long-term contract” by the Clarets but the club confirmed they have been informed by the representatives of Egan-Riley that it has now been formally rejected.

The England Under-21 international played 41 times in the Championship last season and was part of the record-breaking defence that helped secure Burnley promotion back to the Premier League.

Clarets boss Scott Parker had previously been hopeful of keeping Egan-Riley at the club going into the new campaign.

Speaking in April, Parker said: “I am confident. I know both the players [Egan-Riley and Josh Brownhill] have loved this year and been vital to what we’ve done.

“Obviously you never know, but hopefully we can get to a point where we’ll have a bit of clarity on that.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Burnley said: “The club remains focused on strengthening the squad as we look ahead to the forthcoming Premier League season and further announcements will be made in due course.”