Burnley close in on Montpellier defender Maxime Esteve with Vincent Kompany claiming ‘the defender is in the building’ and is ‘hopeful the Clarets can announce a deal soon’

Vincent Kompany said Maxime Esteve was ‘in the building’ as Burnley closed in on signing the Montpellier defender on transfer deadline day.

It appears the 21-year-old will join on-loan Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana when he arrives at Turf Moor in January.

In images on social media, Esteve appeared to be present at the 3-1 defeat against Manchester City on Wednesday.

And when asked at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s home game with Fulham how close the Frenchman was to joining, Clarets boss Kompany said: ‘If he’s in Manchester then he’s pretty close.

“Walking up here, there’s still nothing official, so until then… but he’s in the building and hopefully we can announce it soon.

Vincent Kompany has stated that Maxime Esteve is ‘in the building’ as Burnley closes in on a deal to sign the Montpellier defender

Kompany added that he was 'hopeful' that Burnely 'could announce the deal soon'

Kompany added that he was ‘hopeful’ that Burnely ‘could announce the deal soon’

The 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for Montpellier in all competitions this season, returning one goal and an assist for the Ligue 1 side.

The 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for Montpellier in all competitions this season, returning one goal and an assist for the Ligue 1 side.

“I hope that when it happens, everyone will see what we saw in him, but until the ink is on the paper, I’m not going to say too much.”

Esteve has made fourteen appearances in all competitions for Montpellier this season, scoring one goal and an assist.

He has also been capped for France at international level, having made one appearance for the France U21 side at the end of last season.