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The curious case of Burnley's club record signing Steven Defour

It was back in 2009 that Manchester United expressed strong interest in Belgian wonderkid Steven Defour - and with good reason.

Just before the emergence of the country's 'Golden Generation', Defour was very much a superstar-in-the-making, helping re-establish his club, Standard Liege, at the pinnacle of Belgian football.

Defour was appointed the team's captain aged just 19 and won the Belgian Golden Shoe award - for being the league's best player, not it's top scorer - in 2007.

Midfielder Steven Defour has become Burnley's record signing at u00a37million
Midfielder Steven Defour has become Burnley's record signing at £7million
The Belgium international has arrived at Turf Moor from Anderlecht on a three-year deal
The Belgium international has arrived at Turf Moor from Anderlecht on a three-year deal
Defour was one courted by Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson's time in charge
Defour was one courted by Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson's time in charge

In 2008, Standard won the league championship for the first time in 25 years, with Defour prominent.