Everton join race for Zian Flemming as Burnley fight to keep Dutch attacker

Everton have joined the growing list of clubs interested in Burnley attacker Zian Flemming, with the Dutchman attracting attention from across Europe as he considers his future following relegation from the Premier League.

Flemming is believed to be keen on leaving Burnley this summer, but the Clarets are determined to keep one of their most important attacking players.

The 28-year-old strengthened his position further at the weekend by scoring twice against West Ham United to rescue a 2-2 draw.

According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Everton are interested in taking Flemming back to the Premier League.

They are not alone.

Clubs from Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Eredivisie are also monitoring his situation, although the identities of the interested Dutch sides have not been revealed.

Despite his desire to make a move following Burnley's relegation, Flemming has continued to perform for his current club.

His two late goals against West Ham demonstrated why Burnley are reluctant to lose him before the transfer window closes.

Burnley manager Nicky Hayen made the club's position clear following Flemming's latest match-winning contribution.

Hayen joked that scoring twice hardly helps Burnley's chances of keeping transfer interest away from the Dutchman.

The manager stressed that Flemming's importance goes beyond his goals and suggested remaining at Turf Moor could allow him to become an even more influential figure for the club.

Burnley therefore face a difficult situation.

Flemming appears ready for another opportunity elsewhere, while his performances continue to underline how difficult he would be to replace.

Everton's interest could offer Flemming the opportunity to immediately return to Premier League football.

At 28, the Dutchman is also at a stage of his career where a move this summer could be particularly attractive following Burnley's relegation.

However, there is currently no indication that Everton or any of the other interested clubs have reached an agreement with Burnley.

The Clarets' preference remains to keep him for their Championship campaign.

Everton's level of interest will now be important.

Flemming has plenty of potential destinations, but a concrete Everton approach could give him a direct route back into the Premier League.

Burnley, meanwhile, have no desire to lose him and will hope their stance is enough to keep the Dutchman at Turf Moor.

With several European clubs watching and Flemming open to a new challenge, his future could become one of Burnley's major transfer stories during the final two weeks of the window.