Aston Villa make £7m bid for unsettled Burnley keeper Tom Heaton

ASTON VILLA have slapped in a £7 million bid for Burnley’s unsettled England keeper Tom Heaton.

Villa are starting with a low offer for the Clarets number one who is unhappy about contract talks over an extended stay at Turf Moor.

Burnley value Heaton much higher and do not want to lose him but he is a genuine alternative to Villa’s top choice Jack Butland and Neil Etheridge.

The 33-year-old England international has been discussing with Burnley chiefs over a long term extension to the 12 months he has remaining on his current deal.

But negotiations are at a standstill after the player turned down the initial offer.

And the Clarets run the risk of him leaving on a Bosman free transfer next summer unless a compromise is reached.

Heaton, 33, missed a year after dislocating his shoulder and was forced to sit out the World Cup Finals last summer.

He has since forced his way back into the plans of England boss Gareth Southgate after his impressive performances in Burnley’s successful battle against relegation last season.

Heaton was part of the England squad which finished third in the Nations League finals last month.