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Burnley may need to step up their efforts for striker Andréas Hountondji, with Saint-Etienne currently leading the race for him.

That’s according to L’Equipe, who report that while Burnley have made ‘concrete progress’ on a move for the striker, it is the French club who are out in front.

A report last week stated that Burnley were pushing ahead with a potential move for the SM Caen striker, explaining that new manager Scott Parker had already held conversations with him about a move to Turf Moor this summer.

L’Equipe now follow that up and explain the striker, who impressed with Rodez in Ligue 2 last season, ‘is being courted by many clubs’ this summer.

The belief is that he will leave the Norman club at some point, particularly as he’s in the final year of his deal, and Burnley have made ‘concrete progress’ by starting negotiations with the Beninese international.

However, since then two French clubs have entered into the race, with Brest and Saint-Etienne also holding discussions about a transfer.

They would both like to bring in Hountondji this summer and the latter are believed to be the ‘most advanced club’ at this moment in time.

That does not necessarily mean he will end up there, of course, but it does mean now may be the time for Burnley to step up their efforts if they want the striker.