Villa target Charlie Austin as Richard Dunne leaves
Charlie Austin today emerged as a summer target for Aston Villa – as they began the summer cull by axing Richard Dunne.
The 28-goal Burnley striker has already issued a come-and-get-me plea to Premier League clubs after the Clarets failed to make the Championship play-offs.
Villa manager Paul Lambert has watched the forward play this season and was an admirer when he was boss at Norwich.
Austin, 23, has been a smash hit at Turf Moor since his 2011 move from Swindon – scoring 45 goals in 90 games.
He only turned professional after joining the Robins from Poole Town in 2009 and netted 37 goals in 63 appearances.
Sunderland are also eyeing Austin who has put top-flight clubs on red alert after he admitted he would be keen on a move.
He said: "If it comes this summer, I'll take it and I'll leave Burnley with my head held high.
"When that chance comes, every footballer wants to play in the Premier League."
But Austin insisted he will not force through a transfer and will stay in Lancashire if a move fails to materialise.
He added: "No matter what the rumours are I've no intention of going anywhere unless the club say so."
It will be a summer of change at Villa Park as Lambert looks to revamp the side and ditch the dead-wood.
Out-of-contract Dunne is the first of Villa's top earners to leave after four years with the club.
He has not played under Lambert after struggling with a persistent hip problem since Euro 2012 and his £50,000-a-week wages were a drain on Villa.
Lambert will meet with the rest of the squad this week, including fringe players Stephen Ireland, goalkeeper Shay Given and Darren Bent.
The trio are some of Villa's high earners but have been phased out by Lambert this season.
Ireland has failed to make the squad since January and Given lost his place to Brad Guzan in August.
Bent made his first start since January in Sunday's final day 2-2 draw at Wigan.
