CHARLIE Austin could still have a future with Burnley, despite his move to Hull City collapsing at the 11th hour as a result of a failed medical, with the Clarets understood to be prepared to offer the striker a new deal.
Austin was all set to join the Premier League newcomers on Monday after travelling to Humberside to complete a medical and finalise personal terms.
It was expected the 24-year year-old’s history of shoulder problems might be the only area of concern in physical and medical checks – although Austin had not suffered a recurrence in the 18 months.
But a previously undetected knee problem showed up in scans and proved enough for Hull to pull out of the deal later that night.
Burnley had made attempts to keep their 28-goal top scorer from the Tigers’ clutches with the offer of a new, improved contract and it is believed the Clarets will look into revisiting that option.
That is despite Hull’s reservations and subsequent U-turn on Monday night, which left City boss Steve Bruce starting his search for a new striker almost from scratch after the shock development.
“From my point of view as manager you can imagine I’m not too disappointed to have a 28-goal centre forward in the fold,” said Dyche.
“Obviously it’s a strange situation for the lad, wanting to get a chance to play in the Premier League – at the moment that one’s not going to go through, but he's always made it clear how much he enjoys his time here with us, so we carry on as normal.
“The situation is out there about Charlie and it’s something we'll manage wisely. To be fair to him he wanted to get on with it (last night) but it was my decision to say ‘let it settle for 24 hours and then go to Ireland with us’.
“We’re looking forward to that and getting him going again.”
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