One of York City’s talented teenagers could be heading into the Premier League.
Academy winger Vinnie Steels is wanted by Burnley from the top division and has indicated a desire to move to Turf Moor.
The club is now in talks with Burnley over the possibility of a compensation package.
Steels, still only 16, joined City in February after leaving Vanarama National League North rivals Darlington.
He made his first-team debut as a substitute against Nuneaton Town on April 10 and his first start four days later against Gainsborough Trinity.
He made two further appearances as a substitute against FC United of Manchester and Brackley Town.
Little protection for City
Due to our current status as a ‘non-league’ club, City do not have the protection of the ‘Elite Player Performance Plan’ (EPPP) which guarantees compensation for youth and Academy players.
League rules also prevent English clubs offering professional terms to players under the age of 17.
Sporting director Dave Penney said:
-
This is a great opportunity for Vinnie to move to a Premier League club and we wish him all the best.
Burnley have complied with all the rules and gave seven days’ notice, last week, of their intentions to approach the player. Both Vinnie and his agent will now be free to talk to Burnley’s representatives on Wednesday.
As we are no longer protected by by the EPPP, we have little protection against the biggest clubs when it comes to holding on to our best young players.
Steels had been offered a professional contract by City and was scheduled to sign the paperwork on his 17th birthday next month.