Hopes fading for Eric

He'd already spoken to Villa boss Martin O'Neill about the possibility but some seven weeks since the last game our hopes are fading. Cotterill had hoped to agree something quickly and get Eric on a summer programme, but nothing has happened, and with Villa looking to sell rather than loan him out our chances have got slimmer.

He's made just one substitute appearance for Villa since O'Neill took over and now the former Leicester and Celtic boss is ready to offload him and get a fee rather than loaning him out again and that makes it very difficult for the Clarets to compete.

Not as though we've given up on the idea of bringing him back to Burnley. Steve Cotterill has said: "We will leave it as late as possible. We will leave a window open, although we won't know what work he has done in pre-season. I don't see this one happening at the moment."

Whilst he remains at Villa Park there is always a chance, but not a good chance. He's been linked with a number of clubs, including Villa's new Premiership rivals Birmingham City. But more likely is a move away from England with Benfica now considered to be favourites. It is looking increasingly unlikely that we will see him back at Turf Moor next season.