Sources: Portland Timbers respond to Burnley's Finn Surman offer

Burnley have had an opening bid for Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman rejected, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old ranks highly on the Clarets' radar, and they remain hopful of reaching an agreement in the near future, despite Portland Timbers' reluctance to sell.

Born in Cardiff, Surman has earned 22 caps for the New Zealand national team, and impressed watching scouts with his performances in their debut World Cup campaign.

With the MLS season already well underway, the centre-back has made 23 appearances across all competitions, and remains a mainstay in the starting XI.

Burnely have identified him as an option to strengthen at the back following their relegation to the Championship and work is ongoing to get a deal over the line.

Surman's contract at Portland Timbers is currently set to run until December, and while the club have the option to extend by one year, they could be forced to cash in.

Why are Burnley interested in signing Finn Surman?

Burnley have endured a difficult summer transfer window so far, having lost key players including the likes of Maxime Esteve, who completed a big-money move to RB Leipzig.

Adding to their defensive options has been a priority throughout, though, as they have already completed the signings of Anel Ahmedhodzic and the loan signing of Max Alleyne.

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

Nicky Hayen, however, is aiming to rectify those concerns by strengthening his defensive options, and Surman has emerged as one of their leading targets in the window's final stages.

Scouts have been impressed by the centre-back's performances in the MLS and at the World Cup, and there is a belief that his attributes make him ideal for the new boss.

Which other players are on Burnley's radar?

Surman is not the only centre-back on Burnley's radar in the closing stages of the transfer window, with work ongoing behind the scenes to strengthen their back line.

Football Insider revealed on 14 August that Burnley are lining up a move to sign Toulouse defender Mark McKenzie, who has impressed with his performances in France.

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.

Both McKenzie and Surman could be lured the the Championship outfit thanks to their ambitions of returning to the Premier League in the near future.