Burnley keen to keep Charlie Austin

The 23-year-old has been the subject of speculation for some time now, on his way to a tally of 45 goals in 90 appearances for the Clarets.

Burnley co-chairman Mike Garlick would only say on the future of Austin: “He is a Burnley player, he is contracted and we would love to keep him.”

Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Celtic all linked prior to the summer, while promoted Hull City and Sunderland have also cast their gaze towards the former Swindon Town frontman, who cost Burnley £1.2m in January 2011.

But while there are reports of a a £3m offer, plus extras, from Hull, I believe Burnley would not entertain such a meagre offer, nor be interested in add-ons dependant on the Tigers retaining their Premier League status.

Hull are looking to manage their finances sensibly and have been scared off by Blackburn Rovers’ valuation of Jordan Rhodes, with Rovers understood to want at least a 50% profit on the £8 they paid Huddersfield last summer.

Villa have long been suitors - boss Paul Lambert admired him while Norwich boss - but Austin is not believed to be one of Villa’s top targets, with the club yet to express an interest.

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on iPhone and Android devices.