Luton and Bradford Monitoring In-Form Burton Striker

Luton and Bradford Monitoring In-Form Burton Striker

Sitting just one place outside the relegation spots on goal difference alone, Burton Albion's season has been far from straightforward.

The Brewers have been inconsistent, have lacked individual quality in key moments, and are the lowest-scoring club outside of the relegation zone, underlining the struggles in front of goal.

RUMOUR | Both Luton and Bradford are eyeing a move for Burton striker Jake Beesley.

The 29-year-old has registered 9 goals and 4 assists in 26 @SkyBetLeagueOne appearances this season.

via @FootballLeagueW #LTFC | #COYH | #EFL pic.twitter.com/JaCygcAQMd

— Oak Road Hatter (@OakRoadHatter) January 28, 2026

One man who hasn’t had any struggles in front of goal is top scorer Jake Beesley, but it looks as if Burton’s only shining light could be stripped away from them in the coming days, with play-off hopefuls Luton and Bradford City reported to be in talks with him.

Who is Jake Beesley?

Without Beesley, Burton would be comfortably in the relegation zone by now - the 29-year-old has nine goals to his name this season, just under a third of his side's total, and has netted two in his last three, hitting form just at the right time to secure a move.

A proper EFL journeyman, Beesley has represented the likes of Blackpool, Rochdale, Solihull Moors and Salford City and has 74 career goals across Leagues One and Two, as well as various cup competitions.

He is a more than accomplished striker at this level, and considering his excellent form in front of goal despite playing for a struggling side, it is understandable why both the player and other clubs are considering moves for him.

Jack Wilshere’s Luton are in desperate need of some added attacking versatility, having gone two games without a goal and winning one of their last five, while Bradford City are looking for strength in depth.

The Bantams currently sit fifth after a rapid start to the season, but with seventh-placed Stevenage just six points back, there is now the very real risk of falling out of the play-off spots. Some extra goals would go a long way towards securing their top-six status.

Jake Beesley is exactly how Burton Albion best do Number 9s. Workhorses who come in and prove to be better goalscorers than first thought.

12 League G+A already this season. Got 18 in 18 months at Rochdale and 13 across his whole time at Blackpool.
Confidence sky high at #BAFC. pic.twitter.com/DtkX4ZG7uZ

— Edward Walker (@edward_w97) January 17, 2026

It is not just Beesley’s goals that make him such an attractive offensive target - his endless running, tireless work rate and superb fitness provide good energy up top for the whole 90 minutes, which so often proves the key to success in the lower tiers of the EFL.

Also an aerial threat, Beesley is valued at £300,000, making him a cost-effective option while still providing a tangible threat at the top end of the pitch. At the moment, it appears that Luton are leading the race to sign him, but as we all know, anything can happen in the closing days of the January transfer window.