BURNLEY may have to part with up to £1 million if they want Eric Djemba-Djemba to return to Turf Moor next season.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is believed to be looking to offload the midfielder in the summer, along with former Sunderland and Everton star Gavin McCann.

And after 26-year-old Djemba-Djemba impressed in his three-month loan spell with the Clarets at the end of the season, a comeback could be on the cards.

Burnley manager Steve Cotterill said at the end of last term that he had held talks with O'Neill about the possibility of securing a season-long loan for the Cameroon international, who still has two years left on his contract.

However, although it is not out of the question, it appears that could be a last resort for Villa, who would prefer a sale, even if it meant making a loss on the player they paid Manchester United £1.35 million for in January 2005.

Sources close to Villa have revealed O'Neill no longer sees a future for Djemba-Djemba at the club, particularly as he is just five games away from activating a clause in his contract that would mean they must pay Manchester United an extra £250,000.

With the clause in mind, Villa may be prepared to accept an offer of just £750,000.

Former Nantes ace Djemba-Djemba, who turned down a loan move to Lille to sign a temporary deal at Burnley, became a hit with the Clarets fans, and following the final game of the season he said they had played a big part in restoring his confidence after he had only had a minute's first team action with Villa last season.

"I am very thankful to Steve Cotterill and Burnley for giving me the opportunity. I can't forget that" Djemba-Djemba said.

"If Aston Villa don't want to keep me I don't want to go back there and not play football.

"So if Burnley are willing to keep me it would be good for me to stay because the lads in the dressing room are fantastic.

"Everyone is fantastic with me here. I would have no problem in staying."