Burnley manager Sean Dyche has responded to speculation surrounding centre-half James Tarkowski.

The experienced defender is out of contract in the summer, and wants to leave the club.

Dyche was speaking to the media ahead of their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

When the subject of Tarkowski came up, Dyche did not offer any assurances to fans about the defender's future.

"Especially in modern football, contracts are a different ball-game," Dyche told reporters.

"Twenty years ago players signed a contract and six months later, they're sold.

"All I would say about James is that he's a fantastic professional, he has been since he's been here and he continues to be. His form this season has been absolutely top drawer."

He added regarding Tarkowski not playing for England: "I'm still scratching my head about the England set-up but that's one of the challenges for Gareth (Southgate) who has a lot of good players he has to pick from.

"That's my focus with him and he keeps doing the business."