Burnley are reportedly close to making Stoke left back Erik Pieters their first significant signing of the summer.

The Clarets are on the lookout for competition for Charlie Taylor after Stephen Ward’s departure at the end of his contract, the Irishman then being snapped up by the Potters.

Pieters is surplus to requirements at the Bet365 Stadium and finished last season on loan with Amiens in France.

The Netherlands international joined Stoke for £3 million back in 2013 but on their relegation from the Premier League has been cast aside by first Gary Rowett and his replacement Nathan Jones.

Curzon Ashton’s Joel Senior being signed for the Under-23s squad is the Clarets’ only piece of summer business so far.