MARVIN Sordell has emerged as a shock target for Premier League new boys Burnley.

The former England Under-21 striker has had a nightmarish two-and-a-half year stay at Bolton but has now been offered an escape route by his former Watford boss Sean Dyche, who led the Clarets to promotion last season.

It is thought informal talks have been held between the two clubs but the deal is far from complete, with Wanderers wanting to claw back as much of the £3.2million they paid for him on January transfer deadline day, 2012.

Burnley are keeping their cards close to their chest, confirming only they have not made a formal bid for any of the front men they are targeting at this stage.

It is, however, inevitable the Whites will have to take a heavy loss on the 23-year-old, who spent the whole of last season on loan at Charlton Athletic.

Sordell has managed just 16 starts for Wanderers in all competitions in 30 months, scoring eight goals.

He also experienced mixed fortunes at the Valley last term, scoring eight goals in 22 starts – including a hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday – but spending long spells out of the action with a hamstring injury.

The prospect of raising any money for sales raises the prospect of Wanderers getting involved in the bidding for Middlesbrough striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Derby and Wigan Athletic have both put in firm bids for the 25-year-old – but sources close to the player are confident he would pick Bolton if they followed suit.

As such, fans will be hoping negotiations for Sordell will be concluded quickly, enabling Dougie Freedman to bring back the player who tops most fans’ wish lists.