Mark McKenzie rallying USA fans at World Cup

Mark McKenzie is a target for BurnleyImago

Sources: Burnley set sights on signing Toulouse star Mark McKenzie

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Published on:

14 Aug 2026, 5:15 pm

Burnley are lining up a move for Toulouse and USA defender Mark McKenzie as they look to bolster their defensive options, sources have told Football Insider.

Nicky Hayen is keen to add more depth to his backline as he prepares for his first season in charge of Burnley.

It has been all change at Turf Moor this summer as the Clarets return to the Championship once more.

Several stars have moved on following relegation, while new boss Hayen is yet to make any big-money moves as the start of the season nears.

McKenzie has emerged onto their radar after a standout season with Toulouse in Ligue 1, which saw him named in the USA World Cup squad.

The 27-year-old has played in the Belgian and French top flights and could now head to English football for the first time to aid the Clarets' promotion push.

Burnley eyeing Mark McKenzie move amid defensive search

Burnley ended last season with the worst defensive record in the Premier League as they shipped 75 goals under Scott Parker.

Maxime Esteve's £22million move to RB Leipzig has left the club with a gap at centre-back that McKenzie could be the man to fill.

Hayen deployed a three-centre-back formation in their Carabao Cup win over Notts County last weekend, with Kyle Walker, Joe Worrall and Bashir Humphreys named in the starting eleven.

McKenzie has racked up 60 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse since joining from Genk in 2024.

He gained experience in all three UEFA club competitions in his three-and-a-half years with the Belgian side, and has featured 30 times for the USMNT since debuting in 2019.

Sources: West Ham 'confident' of completing Arne Engels deal after agreement

West Ham closing in on Arne Engels deal ahead of Burnley clash

Burnley face a familiar fixture on their return to the second tier as they host fellow relegated side West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

The Hammers have also struggled to add to their squad so far this summer, but business is ramping up as the end of the window approaches.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that West Ham are confident of signing Celtic star Engels in the coming days after agreeing a £22m fee with the Scottish giants.

The Belgian midfielder is unlikely to be ready to feature on Sunday, however, as he undergoes a medical on Friday afternoon.

Burnley Football Club