Kieran Trippier signs permanent Burnley deal

The Manchester City defender has been one of the stand-out performers since arriving on a season-long loan from the Etihad Stadium last July.

And the two clubs have now agreed an undisclosed fee that will see the 21-year-old remain at Turf Moor until the summer of 2015.

Clarets boss Eddie Howe said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Kieran on board.

“He has been a really huge part of our team, how we have played this year and how we want to go forward.

“He has just got better and better and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person and as a footballer.

“We are extremely grateful to Manchester City for trusting us and allowing Kieran to come here in the first place.

“In the majority of cases, whenever we take loan players it’s with a view to taking them permanently because I think that’s the best way to use the loan system.

“The only debate was whether Manchester City were prepared to let him go. That was always going to be a sticking point, so we are absolutely delighted to get him.”

Trippier, who becomes the first signing of the January transfer window, is currently the club’s only ever-present outfield player this season, scoring twice in 29 appearances.

And Howe sees the former Barnsley loanee as an important part of his ongoing rebuilding plans at Turf Moor.

He added: “The fact Kieran wants to come here on a long term deal means it’s a two-way thing.

“We are equally delighted that he wants to be here and pledge his long-term future to us.

“That speaks very highly of what we are trying to do and how others see us.

“It’s positive news on a lot of fronts and another part of the jigsaw and I am sure everyone connected with the club will be delighted at the news.”