Sean Dyche insists the sale of Tom Heaton to Aston Villa makes business sense for Burnley.

The Clarets captain has moved to Villa Park in a deal worth £8 million as he entered the final 12 months of his Turf Moor deal.

It brings to an end a decorated six-year spell with the club that included two promotions and saw Heaton win three England caps.

With Nick Pope and Joe Hart also in competition in the goalkeeping department, the Clarets have decided to cash a player who made exactly 200 appearances for the club rather than risk losing him for free.

They are now believing to be closing in on a £3.5 million deal for Leeds ‘keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

“Tom has been a terrific servant to the club, as an individual, for the team and for the fans,” said Dyche.

“He was a real ambassador around the place.

“Quite simply a situation arose this summer, where he is in the final year of his contract, there was contact from Aston Villa and I believe he has been offered a very good contract for him and his family.

“And there is a business model at Burnley Football Club, which everyone has come to understand.

“It’s a very good fee for a very good player, but who is 33 with 10 months left on a contract, which has to be balanced up.”

Dyche concedes that a popular figure is leaving the club, Heaton been a big part of the manager’s success during his time at Turf Moor.

“For me, more on the personal side, Tom is a fantastic bloke, a fantastic player and my first ever signing at Burnley Football Club,” the Clarets boss said.

“Without a shadow of doubt, for many, many years to come, I’m sure he’ll be remembered very fondly, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well as a top professional and a top person.”