Who is Daniel Ballard and why did Burnley want him?

Who is Daniel Ballard and why did Burnley want him?

Arsenal academy product Daniel Ballard had an impressive season on loan at Millwall. 
An excellent 12 months at The Den saw the defender help the Lions to a late-season push for the play-offs. It may not have come off in the end, with Millwall finishing the season in ninth, six points away from Luton in sixth, but it was an impressive showing for a side with one of the small budgets in the second tier. It's subsequently no surprise that he has been linked with a move to Vincent Kompany's Burnley this summer. 
The Clarets are fresh off the back of a heart-breaking relegation season that saw them sack club legend Sean Dyche and return to the Championship after six seasons.
With other mainstays of their spell in the Premier League such as Ben Mee also on the move, the club need to bring players in as soon as possible. 
But despite coming close to securing Ballard's signature, the papers are reporting that the move has fallen through. 
So, what has gone on? Why did Burnley want the player, and why did the move fall through?

Who is Daniel Ballard

Ballard is a 22-year-old centre-back who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Blackpool and Millwall. 
He played 25 games in the league for The Seasiders and registered an assist in the three playoff games as Blackpool returned to the Sky Bet Championship after several seasons of turmoil. 
He was rewarded with a second loan spell at established Championship side Millwall and didn't disappoint in southeast London.
He played 31 league games for The Lions and now has ten caps for Nothern Ireland. 

Why did Burnley want him? 

Well, he's a Nothern Ireland international with Championship experience who is known for his work rate and willingness to give everything for the team, something that clearly fits the Burnley mould from season's past.
He has shown that he can compete at the top of the Championship, and with Kompany's Clarets looking to bounce straight back into the Premier League on a relatively small budget, they will need experienced Football League players. 
Ballard has now had two consecutive promotion-chasing seasons and so will know what it takes to get over the line. 
With youth on his side too, Ballard's ceiling is likely much higher than the level at which he is currently playing.

Why did it fall through? 

The 22-year-old had reportedly been in Burnley for a medical, but it is thought terms could not be agreed.
It's unsurprising, to be honest. Burnley's finances have been rumoured to be in a bad spot following relegation and are likely unable to stretch to both Ballard and fellow young centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who the Clarets also reportedly have interest in.
Ballard will be one of the most wanted players in the Championship after his performances for Blackpool and Millwall over the last two years, though he could now return to Arsenal and push for a spot in the first team. 
Alternatively, we could sell him to a team that will be challenging for promotion to the Premier League next season and use the funds to develop our squad ahead of the coming campaign. 
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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