Burnley's stance on Steven Gerrard as early favourite tag for Turf Moor vacancy played down
Burnley have held no formal talks with Steven Gerrard despite strong speculation linking him with the Turf Moor vacancy.
The Clarets are now beginning their search for a new head coach following their decision to part ways with Scott Parker by mutual consent.
Following recent reports, it was no great surprise to see Gerrard shoot straight to the top of the bookies’ odds.
The link first emerged over the weekend when journalist Alan Nixon claimed the Liverpool legend would be a leading contender should Burnley opt to part ways with Parker.
Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, meanwhile, reported on Tuesday that talks are “speeding up” and Gerrard has given the “green light” for a potential deal to move forward.
However, sources have played down these reports to the Burnley Express. The speculation comes as Gerrard is also being strongly linked with the vacancy at Bristol City, which might not be entirely coincidental.
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Looking further afield, Craig Bellamy remains well liked within Burnley following his stint working alongside Vincent Kompany as the club’s number two.
The 46-year-old was in the frame for the job the last time it came around after Kompany’s surprise move to Bayern Munich, but ended up taking the Wales role.
Despite failing to qualify for the World Cup, it’s understood Bellamy is happy to remain with Wales, so the Clarets would have to persuade their former coach to make the move back to East Lancashire.
Another man currently based in Wales is also said to be in the mix according to BBC Sport, who claim Burnley have made contact with Cardiff City over their boss Brian Barry-Murphy.
The Irishman, a former academy coach at Manchester City, has guided the Bluebirds to automatic promotion from League One this season and has earned plaudits for his style of play.
Other names high up in the betting include Liam Rosenior, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Thomas Frank, as well as - inevitably - former Clarets boss Sean Dyche.
First-team coach Mike Jackson will take caretaker charge of Burnley’s final four games of the season, starting at Leeds United tomorrow night.
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