BURNLEY are hopeful of keeping goalkeeper Tom Heaton, despite reports linking the 29-year-old with a Premier League move.

Since the stopper’s debut top flight season ended with a return to the Championship, clubs including Southampton, Aston Villa and Everton are all said to have expressed an interest in the Clarets number one.

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Despite relegation, players’ player of the year Heaton had a strong end to the season with three consecutive clean sheets, taking his overall tally to double figures.

Such impressive individual performances led to the former Manchester United trainee receiving his first England call-up, for this month’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia.

Although he did not take to the field on either occasion, international recognition has led to speculation about Heaton’s future at Turf Moor.

Everton are the latest club to have been associated with the Clarets keeper following doubts over Tim Howard’s future at Goodison Park.

It has been reported the former Manchester United keeper could be seeking a return to his native America after his family relocated.

Howard and Heaton were at Old Trafford together, and Howard has previously spoken of how impressed he is with his former team-mate’s progress.

“He’s had a fantastic season,” he said.

“I was with Tom at Manchester United – he was a young kid in the reserve team – and he has done very well for himself and had a good career since he left Manchester United.”

Heaton left Manchester United after eight years with the club in search of first team football, and it was a similar motivation when he moved from Cardiff City to Bristol City in July 2012.

Regular first team football remains of paramount importance to the Chester-born keeper, and it is understood Burnley have been offered assurances that Heaton is not seeking a move.

At the end of last season, the Clarets keeper said: “Obviously it’s been fantastic in the Premier League but I’ve had a fantastic time at Burnley this season and last.

“I’ve got two years left here and I’m thoroughly enjoying it, so the focus is 100 per cent Burnley.”

The former Manchester United trainee has been a league ever-present since arriving on a free transfer from Bristol City in the summer of 2013, following the Robins’ relegation to League One.

After relegation was confirmed for Burnley, Heaton said: “Obviously it’s been fantastic in the Premier League but I’ve had a fantastic time at Burnley this season and last. I’ve got two years left here and I’m thoroughly enjoying it, so the focus is 100 per cent Burnley.

“The important thing is we bounce back quickly with the appetite and motivation to get back to the Premier League. There’s more than enough ability in that squad to get straight back up there and compete again next year.

“That’s certainly my appetite and that of individuals. We can start building momentum now to get ready for the new season.”