It was understood that Burnley was one of several UK clubs with an interest in Hajduk Split's 21-year-old American midfielder, Rokas Pukštas. It was also reported that Hull City had a similar level of interest, while Championship rivals Birmingham City and Stoke City were also interested in the player this summer, though Middlesbrough are now close to signing him. Pukštas, whose contract with the Croatian club runs until 2027, has been capped by the USA at U23 level. Hajduk Split's asking price was reportedly around €6 million in June 2026, which matches his current Transfermarkt valuation. A month prior, the player rejected a reported €6 million offer from an MLS club.