Dyche open to Clarets contract talks

Burnley are keen to speak with Dyche over an improved deal, as he approaches his third anniversary at the club.

The 44-year-old guided the Clarets to promotion to the Premier League in 2014, and although the club were subsequently relegated last season, Burnley currently sit sixth in the Championship, four points off the top, as they aim for an immediate return.

Dyche is building a reputation as one of the best young managers in the country – indeed, last summer Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I think he is one of the (most) promising managers in the game.”

He agreed an improved contract in the summer of 2014, believed to be a rolling deal, but, having recently been linked with the job at Sunderland, the club are thought to want to secure Dyche on a more long-term contract.

And Dyche said: “A new contract is something for the club to consider, but there is nothing serious as regards talks at the moment.

“It’s nothing other than a natural consequence of being a manager and the club being happy with what you are doing.”

Progress has been made on and off the pitch, and, remarkably, Dyche is now 13th in the list of longest-serving managers in the country.

What he has put in place was an objective regardless of longevity, as he explained: “The building process is not relevant to a new contract – it’s relevant to what I think is appropriate.

“I always intended that.

“You have to win, survive and build – winning is where it all ends up, if you win enough, you survive that initial period and can build.

“But a lot of things I feel are appropriate are coming to fruition.

“A lot of work has been done behind the scenes, in all different departments, and a lot of strides forward have been taken.

“I’m pleased with the whole three-year period so far.”

But while the club hope to keep hold of Dyche, they could face a battle to hold on to sporting director Frank McParland, with Rangers hoping to lure him north of the border to reunite with Mark Warburton and David Weir, who he worked with while at Brentford.

Dyche admitted: “I’ve had no contact from them, but there is always interest in good people, it’s the way it is.

“You are always under threat when you have good people, it is part of being Burnley and not Manchester United.

“He’s done a good job, and has fitted in well here.”

Burnley return to Championship action at home to Bolton Wanderers tomorrow after the international break, with Dyche and his players refreshed after a training break in La Manga, and a brief rest period, before returning to Gawthorpe on Monday.

Dyche looked ahead to the game: “I like Neil Lennon a lot and have a lot of respect for him.

“He’s very honest and calls it as it is. I get on well with him. He has his own challenges, and will be looking to win, not just because it is a derby.

“But we also want the points, and it makes for a good occasion.”

The game will again come too early for Dean Marney and Kevin Long, while Fredrik Ulvestad is now up to speed: “Deano is still on his way back. He’s over his niggles, but still needs time and we’re letting the games come to him at the moment.

“Longy still needs more football as well, but is training well and looking strong.

“We want to make sure both are totally fit before they return.

“Freddie is fine now, he’s been training a few weeks.”