Burnley 'pushing to sign Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana on loan'

During the summer, the Blues allowed Fofana to link up with Union Berlin — who were then participating in the Champions League — on a season-long loan deal.

However, the first half of the campaign did not work out for all parties, with the Ivorian scoring just twice from 10 starts and six substitute outings in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Although the two strikes in question came in his most recent five outings, Chelsea announced on Thursday that they have recalled Fofana from his stint in the German capital.

At the same time, it was alleged that a similar switch to Sevilla was now in doubt, a consequence of Chelsea wanting to fill a foreign loan slot through Ian Maatsen moving to Borussia Dortmund.

Once that deal goes through, each of Chelsea's seven slots will be filled, leaving the scenario of Fofana remaining at Stamford Bridge or going on a domestic loan.

Given that he is unproven on the biggest stage, it appeared unlikely that a club in the Premier League would take a chance on Fofana at this stage of his development.

Nevertheless, according to The Athletic, Burnley have instigated contact with Chelsea regarding securing Fofana's services until the end of 2023-24.

An agreement is said to have been reached in principle between the clubs with Fofana on the brink of moving to the Clarets on a straight loan with no option to buy.

Fofana is allegedly due to fly to Manchester on Friday before undergoing a medical, with the hope being that a transfer will be processed as soon as possible.

After Friday's showdown with relegation rivals Luton Town, Burnley are not in action until they travel to Manchester City on January 31.