Chester-born goalkeeper Tom Heaton has penned a new three-year contract with Burnley to end speculation over his future.

The former Upton-by-Chester High School pupil has been reported as a transfer target for Aston Villa, Everton and Southampton following his club's relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

But the 29-year-old, who was rewarded for his fine performances with a call up to the England squad in June, has signed a new deal to remain at Turf Moor until June 2018.

"I’m very pleased as I’ve had two great years here so far and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing for this club," Heaton told the Clarets' website.

"It’s another three-year deal and this has felt like my home which has helped with my performances so I don’t want to stop raising that bar and pushing myself to improve.

"I really love playing for the manager and working with the staff, particularly the goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer who I feel I’ve improved under and I’m really excited for the times ahead."

Heaton, whose parents Joan and Dave live in Guilden Sutton, spent eight years at Manchester United before spells with Cardiff City and Bristol City.

He joined Burnley – the club his dad supports – two years ago and helped the Clarets win promotion to the Premier League.

'The important thing for me is that I feel there is more to come'

Although the 2015-16 campaign ended in disappointment with relegation back to the Championship, Heaton excelled on a personal level.

He became the first Burnley player to be called up for England since 1974 and was voted as players’ player of the season.

England manager Roy Hodgson subsequently named Heaton in his squad for games with Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.

"We were disappointed about being relegated but the way we went forward with that means we can take the momentum into this season and push for an immediate return to the Premier League," said Heaton.

"I certainly look back over the last two years and the important thing for me is that I feel there is more to come.

"I had a taste of the Premier League last year and that gives you the hunger to get back and I want to be doing that with Burnley Football Club.

"It’s vital that I’ll be playing football week in, week out as I had a few times in my early days where I spent time on loan.

"It was a great foundation at Manchester United but it got frustrating when I wasn't playing and I made the decision early on in my career to always be trying to play.

"That is what I’ve done over time and it’s important that I stay here and keep moving things forward."