Leeds United: Heckingbottom declares admiration for Barnsley loanee McBurnie

Heckingbottom brought 21-year-old McBurnie to former club Barnsley on a loan deal from Swansea at the end of January, one week before Heckingbottom left the Tykes to become head coach at Leeds.

The Whites have since been heavily linked with a move for McBurnie in the summer and United will now be faced with keeping the talented Scotland international quiet in Saturday’s Championship clash with the Tykes at Elland Road.

Heckingbottom was present at Oakwell last Saturday to see Leeds-born McBurnie produce a stellar display as part of a potentially crucial 2-2 draw at home to Bolton Wanderers in which the Swansea loanee netted a dramatic equaliser in the 93rd minute.

McBurnie has scored eight goals in just 13 appearances for the Tykes and the forward is due to return to Swansea in the summer with the forward contracted at the Swans until the summer of 2019.

Heckingbottom had initially tried to sign McBurnie on loan from Swansea in August 2017 but the move collapsed on transfer deadline day due to issues with paperwork.

McBurnie instead stayed with the Swans, making 11 appearances in the Premier League before his January loan switch to Oakwell.

Asked for his thoughts on McBurnie and whether the forward would be someone he would like to bring in, Heckingbottom said: “That’s a different matter, but him himself, yes.