BURNLEY target Nathan Baker has signed a new four-year deal with Aston Villa, but a move to Turf Moor can still not be ruled out.

The Clarets were understood to be close to adding the 24-year-old defender to their squad after Jason Shackell left for a second spell with Derby County.

But while Baker has instead committed to his boyhood club, it is understood the option to sign the centre half on loan cannot be ruled out.

Baker has been with Villa since he was eight years old and wants to force his way into manager Tim Sherwood’s plans.

But captain Micah Richards and Ciaran Clark are the favoured centre half pairing, and Jores Okore is due back from injury in September.

After signing his new deal, Baker said: “I have been with the club since I was just eight years old so I am very happy to continue my career here. It’s my home. It’s my club.

“I feel I have progressed and can carry on getting better here in claret and blue.

“I am determined to impress the gaffer and get in that side.

“The competition is going to be fierce here at centre-half but that’s what the gaffer wants. There’s a lot of choice for him. But you can’t do well as a club without competition for places.”