GLENN WHELAN’S near- decade-long stay at Stoke City is set to end.

SunSport has learned that Aston Villa are confident of landing the Ireland midfielder following Darren Fletcher’s move to the Britannia, although Burnley are keen.

2 Glenn Whelan is set to end his near-decade long spell at Stoke Credit: Action Images

Whelan, 33, joined the Potters from Sheffield Wednesday in January 2008 and immediately helped the club win promotion to the top flight.

At the end of that season, he made his international debut, against Serbia, in Giovanni Trapattoni’s first game in charge. He has since amassed 80 caps, breaking Gordon Banks’ record of 36 international appearances while at the club.

But he was one of several players dropped by Martin O’Neill after the 3-0 defeat to Belgium at Euro 2016 and is no longer a guaranteed starter when the side is at full strength.

2 Aston Villa are confident of landing the Ireland ace with Burnley also interested

For Stoke, he has clocked up 337 appearances, scoring eight times, playing in both an FA Cup final and in the Europa League. Although Whelan has a year left on his contract, the arrival of

Fletcher means he is less likely to be a regular.

As a result, Villa have entered negotiations with Stoke about a fee while Whelan could expect a two-year deal to try to help them win promotion.

Burnley — who can offer him the chance to stay in the Premier League — have not yet spoken to Stoke.

At Villa Park, he would link up with fellow Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane while Burnley have Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick, Stephen Ward and new cap Kevin Long on their books.