Alex Cochrane is apparently being targeted by Burnley, Ipswich Town, and Blackburn Rovers, with Hearts reportedly seeking at least £2 million for the left-back ahead of the summer transfer window.
Alex Cochrane is apparently being sought after by Hearts for £2 million ahead of the summer transfer window, with Premier League team Burnley being particularly interested in the defender.
The 23-year-old enjoyed loan stints at Union SG in Belgium and Tynecastle after graduating from the Brighton & Hove Albion academy in August 2019 before relocating permanently to Scotland ahead of the 2022–2023 season.
This season, Cochrane has started 23 games as left defender for the Jambos in the Scottish Premiership and has three assists.
In the early phases of his budding career, the defender played for the England Under-20s, giving him some international experience as well.
Edinburgh News reports that Hearts have selected a transfer plan in anticipation of offers for Cochrane in the forthcoming summer transfer window.
According to the source, Steven Naismith’s team has set a £2 million asking price for the former Brighton player, and English clubs are reportedly showing interest.
It’s thought that Hearts will negotiate firmly, agreeing to a minimum of the aforementioned seven-figure sum before to the 2019–20 season.
After rumoured interest in Cochrane during the January transfer window, Burnley, managed by Vincent Kompany, is reportedly poised to re-enter the contest when summer trade commences.
Blackburn Rovers, the Clarets’ Lancashire rivals, were also rumoured to be interested in the left-back; however, a summer transfer is probably contingent on their division standing in August.
After John Eustace took over at Ewood Park in lieu of Jon Dahl Tomasson, Rovers have lost all eight of their league games. They currently sit in 17th position in the Championship, three points ahead of Huddersfield Town in 22nd place.
Additionally, it’s thought that Cochrane’s growth has been observed by another second-tier team Ipswich Town, who are gearing up to leave Tynecastle in the summer.
With the 23-year-old out of the picture, it is said that Hearts have agreed to sign Livingston’s James Penrice, a left-sided defender, in the summer.
Penrice, 25, is expected to assure himself of his place in the Scottish Premiership by joining the Edinburgh club, as the Livi Lions are now 10 points from the bottom of the standings.
Burnley is also considering the long term, and their interest in Cochrane is further supported by Charlie Taylor, the left back for Clarets, whose contract at Turf Moor is about to expire.
The former Leeds United player isn’t sure if he’ll stay in Lancashire until the season ends, despite making almost 20 Premier League games this year.
