Burnley and Ipswich chase Villa's Delfouneso

Aston Villa's young striker Nathan Delfouneso is wanted by promotion-chasing Burnley to keep their bid for an instant return to the Premier League going.

The England Under-21 hitman may be allowed out on loan for the rest of the campaign and the Clarets have joined Ipswich in the race for his services.

Delfouneso played in Villa's FA Cup defeat at Manchester City but has dropped down the pecking order in Gerard Houllier's team since the record-breaking arrival of full England international Darren Bent.

Burnley recently lost Charlie Austin to a season-ending shoulder injury and boss Eddie Howe knows his team will need a replacement as they look to go up via the play-offs.

Ipswich chief Paul Jewell is also keen on Delfouneso and hopes he can persuade Villa to let the player join him instead.