Burnley’s on-loan midfielder Danny Drinkwater is being linked with a move to Aston Villa.

The Chelsea man’s deal at Turf Moor runs until January 6 and the 29-year-old has made just two appearances for the Clarets.

He started the EFL Cup exit against Sunderland in August having worked to build up his match fitness, the Premier League title winner with Leicester having been frozen out at Stamford Bridge.

Drinkwater then however suffered an ankle injury during an altercation on a night out in Manchester which set him back further.

His only Premier League appearance for the Clarets saw him play the first hour of the 4-1 home defeat against Manchester City at the start of December.

According to reports, Villa – who travel to Turf Moor on New Year’s Day – see Drinkwater as ideal cover for the influential John McGinn who has been ruled out for around three months with a fractured ankle.

Speaking earlier this month, boss Sean Dyche refused to rule out keeping Drinkwater and wanted to give him every chance of forcing his way into contention over the Christmas period - something which has not transpired.

“He has had a spell out but I think he is generally enjoying what we have to offer here,” Dyche said.

“Obviously he wants more game time but he understands that, having missed so long, that that is a process.

“Chelsea I think are happy with what he is trying to achieve here and he is working hard. We will wait and see.”