Burnley could allow Joe Hart to leave on a free this summer – with French clubs in the running to be the former England goalkeeper’s next destination.

Sean Dyche snapped up Hart for £4million at the start of the season to cover for injuries to Tom Heaton and Nick Pope.

But with the 32-year-old stuck on the bench following Heaton’s return, The Clarets are considering allowing Hart to leave to save on his wages which are high by Turf Moor standards.

Hart enjoyed the experience of playing in Italy with Torino and would consider moving abroad again to get his career back on track.

The 75-cap goalkeeper has seen his career go off the boil since Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016. 

He had loans at Torino and West Ham and lost his place in the England set-up before leaving City altogether last summer.

He hasn’t played for Burnley since a 5-1 home defeat against Everton on Boxing Day and is expected to be on the bench again for today’s game against his former club City.

The game has also come too early for striker Peter Crouch who is recovering from an appendix operation. 

But Burnley hope Crouch will return in time for the final weekend of the season in what could be his last game for the club.