Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe has for sometime been assumed to be on Burnley`s short-list to replace recently sacked manager, Brian Laws with other clubs also interested in his services.
Howe is understood to have had interviews with both Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic for their managerial vacancies and turned both offers down in order to stay at Dean .
Only a few days ago he said:
‘I came close to leaving the club; I`m not going to lie. It was a tough decision,
‘But it had dragged on long enough and we wanted an end to it. Now there is we can concentrate on the football, which is all that matters.’
It was also reported that Howe had received an improved package to stay at Dean Court
That seemed to be the end of the matter and although it was not clear what the situation was regarding the Clarets interest in him, most fans assumed he would not be coming.
However speculation grew yesterday that in fact Burnley still wanted to pursue their interest and had contacted Bournemouth requesting official permission to speak to him about the vacancy. Cherries chairman, Eddie Mitchell has since confirmed that the Clarets have indeed made an official approach for the Bournemouth boss.
It would appear however that the potential deal is far from certain. The issue of compensation could prove a sticking point and it is understood both clubs are currently in discussion before an interview at Turf Moor takes place with Howe. Providing this could be agreed, Mitchell has stated he would not block Howe from speaking to Burnley. The highly-rated 33-year-old manager is only six months into an extended three-year deal at Dean Court so compensation could be considerable.
It is thought if Howe does become the Clarets new manager he would bring his assistant, Jason Tindall with him to Turf Moor.
Some media reports suggest Howe could be named as our new manager by close of business today (Friday 14th January) although the reality is more likely summed up by Brian Kilby`s recent statement on the club`s official website:
‘Burnley Football Club is still in discussions with several parties with regard to the managerial vacancy at Turf Moor.
‘Talks are ongoing, and as a result I have informed caretaker manager Stuart Gray that he remains in full charge of first-team affairs for Saturday`s game against Queens Park Rangers.’
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