Ben Gibson 'told he can leave Burnley'

Burnley defender Ben Gibson has reportedly been told that he can leave this summer just one year after he joined the club.

The 26-year-old became the Clarets' record signing when he moved to Turf Moor from Middlesbrough last August in a £15m deal, which has three years left to run.

Gibson had a difficult first season with Sean Dyche's side, however, making just one appearance all season due to injury, and according to Team Talk, he has now been informed that he can move on ahead of the new campaign.

All three of the newly-promoted sides - Aston Villa, Norwich City and Sheffield United - are said to be keen, as are Turkish outfit Besiktas, although interest from Sheffield Wednesday and former club Boro is likely to prove fruitless as Gibson is unwilling to drop back down to the Championship.

The player's hefty price tag - at least the £15m Burnley paid for him - is likely to prove a stumbling block for many potential suitors, although Burnley are said to be open to the possibility of letting him leave on a loan deal.