Burnley's Championship rivals 'make managerial approach' for ex-Claret

Burnley’s Championship rivals Preston North End have reportedly made a managerial approach for former Claret Graham Alexander.

The Deepdale outfit are on the lookout for a new boss after parting ways with Paul Heckingbottom just seven games into the new season.

PNE sit level on points with Burnley, although the Clarets sit bottom owing to their worse goal difference.

Robbie Keane had been named as a potential successor, but according to The Telegraph, Bradford City have received an official approach for Alexander.

The 54-year-old is a hugely-popular figure at Deepdale after playing over 400 games with Preston in two spells.

Speaking about the speculation last week, ‘Grezza’ told the Telegraph and Argus: “I don't think it's the first time I've been linked with Preston North End because of my history there.

“My relationship is well documented over many, many interviews for the last two decades on what happened with me at that particular club.”

Alexander has been in the hotseat at Valley Parade since November 2023 and guided the Bantams to League Two promotion in 2024/25.

They’re currently top of the League One table on 15 points from their seven games, above Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

Alexander, who played for Burnley between 2007 and 2011, has also been touted as a potential replacement for Nicky Hayen should the Clarets opt to sack their Belgian boss following their disastrous start to the season.