ON-LOAN forward Nathan Tella revealed how a phone call with Burnley boss Vincent Kompany persuaded him to make the temporary move to join the Clarets.

The 23-year-old arrived at Turf Moor last week in a season-long switch and came off the bench during the 1-0 Championship defeat at Watford on Friday.

And he insists working under four-time Premier League winner Kompany is the right choice for the next stage in his development.

Speaking to Burnley’s website, Tella said: “Speaking to the manager, he’s told me the game plan and what he thinks about the season as well as how he thinks I’ll fit into the team. It’s been nothing but positivity.

“The phone call I had with him really sold the club to me.

“He really told me how he rates me as a player and as a person, speaking about how he thinks I’ll get plenty of opportunities here as well as working one-to-one being tough and critical with me.

“That’s something I felt like I needed so it’s a very big factor in the move and a reason as to why I came here.

“I see this as a Premier League club. Getting relegated last season, I know the ambition will be to go straight back up and I want to play a part in a team that gets back to the Premier League.”

Tella has made 41 senior appearances for Saints since making his first-team debut against Norwich during Project Restart in June 2020.

He added: “I feel like I’ve experienced and learned a lot from the boys (at Saints).

“I think coming here now, I can hopefully use some of that experience to play in the team and take what I learn from here back to Southampton.

“Right now though, my head’s only focused on here and being here.”

Tella could be involved for Burnley tonight, when they host Hull City at Turf Moor.

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