Arsenal youngster Daniel Ballard to be Vincent Kompany’s first signing as Burnley manager

Arsenal have agreed a deal for defender Daniel Ballard to become Vincent Kompany’s first signing at Burnley.

Ballard is set to move to Turf Moor for around £2million following an impressive loan spell in the Championship at Millwall last season.

Arsenal have inserted a sell-on clause into the deal and a clause which would grant them the opportunity to match future bids for the 22-year-old.

Ballard, a Northern Ireland international, has not made a senior appearance for Arsenal.

Kompany is rebuilding the Burnley squad following the departure of 14 players this summer, including centre-backs Ben Mee and James Tarkowski.

Ballard made 33 appearances for Millwall last season and has been capped 15 times by Northern Ireland. His move to Turf Moor is expected to be finalised over the weekend.

Millwall wanted to sign Ballard on a permanent basis this summer, while QPR and a host of other Championship clubs registered interest in him.

Kompany is said to have played a key role in persuading him to choose Burnley.

The new Burnley manager, who won four Premier League titles during his 11-year spell at Manchester City, is embarking on the challenge of getting Burnley back into the top flight.