Burnley failed with Cahill bid

Burnley failed with a deadline-day bid for Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill.

The stopper proved a huge hit during a loan spell at Turf Moor last term and has since forced his way into David O'Leary's squad at Villa Park.

An injury crisis at Burnley prompted Cotterill to initiate contact with his Villa counterpart O'Leary about a fresh loan move, but was turned back.

"Our first port of call was Aston Villa for Gary Cahill," Cotterill told the club's website.

"Having said that, it's not the first time I've tried as I have had a few enquiries for him this summer.

"Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful with our attempts and he's in and around the Aston Villa squad at the moment.

"That ends up being a problem for us because they obviously want to try and get him into the team and Gary wants to make an impression there too.

"He obviously has a chance of playing now, but they helped us out tremendously last season by giving us Gary on loan.

"He was fantastic for us and we have nothing but praise for the lad and we just once again want to thank them well for their help and wish Gary all the best for the future."

Championship clubs still have a further chance to bolster their squads with loan signings and Cotterill may move for Cahill again if he feels his defence is still a little threadbare.