By Graham Hill
VILLA are reported to be ready to make a fresh bid for Burnley keeper Tom Heaton.
But they are still refusing to match the asking price of £12million.
Some reports suggest that Villa’s opening offer was just £4million for the 33-year-old who is out of contract at Turf Moor in 12 months time.
Now the Football Insider site says that Villa are prepared to increase their bid – but not by as much as Burnley want.
But Villa have apparently been told that the player is keen to move to Villa and has rejected the offer of a new Burnley contract.
Stoke’s Jack Butland is Villa’s No1 target but they have been put off by the Potters’ asking price of more than £20million.
Jed Steer was in goal and earned a new contract after being one of the key players in Villa’s promotion bid.
But with Croatia keeper Lovre Kalinic on his way out of the club this summer, boss Dean Smith wants a player with proven Premier League experience.
Heaton worked his way back into the Burnley side last season after injury and earned a place in the England squad. But boss Sean Dyche is top heavy on keepers with Nick Pope and Joe Hart also in his ranks.
Villa Roar 