Fresh Burnley FC, CJ Egan-Riley transfer twist emerges - It could affect West Ham | OneFootball

Despite a reported agreement with Strasbourg, Egan-Riley could be heading elsewhere...

The future of Burnley centre-back CJ Egan-Riley has been thrown up in the air once more, with French giants Marseille reportedly entering the race for his services - despite recent claims of an agreed deal with Strasbourg.

Egan-Riley was one of the shining lights of last season's Championship, coming off the back of a loan stint with PSV's reserve side and becoming a key player in Burnley's promotion-winning squad under Scott Parker.

Forming a ruthless partnership in the Clarets back-line with Maxime Esteve, Egan-Riley is hot property this summer, and another club has entered the race for his services.

Marseille enter transfer race for Burnley's CJ Egan-Riley

Back in May, L'Equipe reported that Strasbourg - managed by ex-Hull City boss Liam Rosenior - were closing in on a five-year contract agreement to bring Egan-Riley to France, but that talk had quietened down in recent weeks.

Last week, a further claim made by the same publication was that talks had intensified between the two parties, but an agreement is still yet to be actually reached - and there are other interested parties.

As reported back in April, West Ham United were keen on Egan-Riley, as per The Times, and Foot Mercato claim that Graham Potter's side, as well as Strasbourg, have made contract offers for the 22-year-old.

However, they have also reported that Marseille have now entered the running with their own interest, as Roberto De Zerbi looks to bolster his defensive unit and add to his current English contingent of Mason Greenwood and Jonathan Rowe.

They could provide a stumbling block in West Ham's pursuit of the ex-Man City academy graduate, and if he does leave Burnley, they will be hoping to see him head to the London Stadium as they would be due a bigger compensation package than if he headed abroad.

Burnley now look powerless to stop CJ Egan-Riley from exiting Turf Moor

Having offered Egan-Riley an extended contract, Foot Mercato's report claim that the Clarets hierarchy believe the defender is being "greedy" in regards to his wage demands, so any potential renewal now looks unlikely.

Burnley are a new Premier League club once more, and despite an increase in their finances, it will not compare to what West Ham and Marseille can offer the England youth international, so it may be a case of just waiting to see what club he ends up at now for Scott Parker, Alan Pace and co.

If he ends up with Graham Potter at West Ham, it would be bittersweet for Burnley to see him with a divisional rival, but given FIFA's transfer rules they would be better compensated financially for it as opposed for a move to France, so it may be best for the Clarets if Egan-Riley takes his talents to east London this summer.