FORMER Clarets striker Steven Thompson believes Burnley will find it impossible to hang on to Jay Rodriguez – and shouldn’t try if they want a maximum return for their homegrown hotshot.

The 22-year-old has already been the subject of transfer speculation as he goes into the final year of his Turf Moor contract.

Burnley have put an £8million price tag on their sought after youth team product.

And Thompson says they must find a buyer this summer if they want to achieve that fee, and give Rodriguez the chance to begin developing his career at a higher level.

“The problem for Burnley is that I can’t see him being there for much longer. That’s the quality he has,” said the Scot, who spent almost three years at Turf Moor.

“I would have thought Burnley need to sell him this summer if they want to get maximum money for him, and you are looking at well over £5m.

“I know he loves Burnley and the club has brought him through, but I would like to see him move on for his own progression because I think he deserves to be playing in the Premier League.

“The fans will say I shouldn’t say that because we want to keep him, but you’ve got to do sometimes what’s best for a player, and that’s to develop.”

Rodriguez broke into the team during Thompson’s last season with the Clarets, and went on to finish joint top scorer alongside Chris Eagles, with 15.

Striker Thompson, who moved to St Mirren on a free transfer last summer, admitted it came as no surprise that the England Under 21 cap bettered that by six strikes this season.

“Working first hand with him you got to see how he had the whole package. He was just beginning to piece it together when I left,” said the 33-year-old, who helped fire Burnley into the Premier League in his first season.

“He’s got everything. Normally you see a player with his technical ability but not the pace. Jay has every box ticked – his touch, his aerial ability, his pace, his desire and hunger.

“He hasn’t got any swagger, he’s not arrogant, he hasn’t got a chip on his shoulder. He’s just a lovely young lad, and it’s nice to see someone like that do well.

“Who knows what level he could reach in his career.”

Thompson added: “He’s been a great servant to the club and it’s right that Burnley should get money for him. I’m sure Eddie Howe would love to keep him, but it might be the right time for him to move.”