Early favourite for Burnley managerial vacancy rules himself out of the running to replace Vincent Kompany - reports
The initial bookies’ favourite for the imminent Burnley vacancy has ruled himself out of contention, according to reports.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Steve Cooper has turned down the chance to hold talks with the Clarets, who are on the lookout for a new boss ahead of Vincent Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich.
Instead, the former Nottingham Forest is said to be eyeing a return to the Premier League, having been sacked at the City Ground back in December.
Prior to that, the 44-year-old led Forest to the Premier League before keeping them in the top flight the following season. However, he was replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo after a run of just one win in 13.
Cooper had been installed as the early favourite with the bookies on Monday, before drifting down the betting.
At the time of writing, two-time promotion-winner Scott Parker leads the way ahead of Frank Lampard and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Cooper remains fourth but is likely to fall away following the latest reports.
Current Coventry City boss Mark Robins and ex-Hull City chief Liam Rosenior have also been linked with the post, as has Raphaël Wicky, a Swiss manager who previously led Chicago Fire and Young Boys.
David Moyes and Graham Potter have also been mentioned with the vacancy but are unlikely to drop down to the Championship.
The Clarets have already begun their search for their new number one ahead of Kompany’s unveiling as the new boss of Bayern Munich.
It’s been widely reported that Kompany will sign a three-year contract at the Allianz Arena after the two parties agreed a compensation package of €12m (£10.2m).