Burnley January transfer dossier: Dyche's side must keep up with those around them in New Year

January has so often played a deciding role regarding which among the relegation threatened sides depart for the Championship in May.

Despite showing their survival instincts in November and December, Sean Dyche's side are in need of players to come straight into their starting line-up rather than boost their squad options. The high turnover of players to come in and leave the club in the summer coupled with their meagre budget, however suggest that the Clarets could be in for a quiet month.

What they need

Despite their improvement, Burnley have continued to look particularly one paced in midfield. A quick option out wide will provide an alternative approach for Dyche in attack, while replacements for Nathaniel Chalobah and David Jones will also be required in the New Year.

Who could join?

In terms of specific names, Dyche has been reluctant to pinpoint specific targets. Michael Keane, a loan signing from Manchester United during the summer, endured a relatively slow start to life at Turf Moor but in recent times the 21-year-old has developed into a commanding member of the Burnley backline alongside Jason Shacknell.

Keane's deal ends in January and the club are likely to strive to extend that. Should Louis van Gaal have plans for the young centre-half back at Old Trafford, a replacement will be required.

Who could leave?

Chalobah, another summer loan arrival, is set to return to Stamford Bridge having failed to impose himself on the first team. While Dyche has told the player 'he will get his chances' this season, his further comments and the player's lack of involvement suggest he is not ready for the demands of top flight football. In more positive news, striker Danny Ings has ended talk of leaving the club in January, reassuring supporters he is up for the battle the club will inevitably have on their hands.

What the manager has said

"[I have] no concerns whatsoever [over Ings leaving the club]. 've been asked that question for the last two years.

"It's just the reality of the situation and we have open dialogue with him and his agent. The club have made it quite clear how much they value the players we've got and we're in a good position cash-wise because we haven't spent a lot of money.

"If anything, we're thinking about adding to the squad," he said.