Bolton closing in on Coyle

BOLTON are hoping to prise Owen Coyle from Burnley in the next few days.

The Clarets boss met chairman Barry Kilby at a secret location last night to discuss his future and despite suggestions earlier yesterday that Coyle’s appointment as Trotters boss was imminent, Burnley say no decision will be made on his future.

“Senior Burnley Football Club officials have, on Monday evening, held detailed talks with first team manager Owen Coyle over his future at Turf Moor,’’ a statement on Burnley’s website read.

“As a result of these talks over Coyle’s future with his current employers, both parties have decided to take a further 24 hours to digest the information shared before making any further announcement.

“There will be no further comment during this time from Burnley Football Club or Owen Coyle.’’

Burnley had earlier confirmed that Coyle has already held talks with Bolton over the vacant manager’s position following Gary Megson’s sacking last week.

Coyle is keen to return to the club where he enjoyed two-and-a-half seasons as a player in the 90s.

However Bolton will have to come up with more than £3 million (€3.35m) in compensation to force a deal through.

It is understood that clause was inserted into his contract when he signed a 12-month extension to his existing three-year deal in the summer and the indications last night were that a compensation package has been agreed.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside short-listed Coyle for the manager’s job before he appointed Megson in October 2007 and subsequently recommended him to Burnley, where the Scot took over the following month.

During his time at the Clarets, Coyle has revolutionised the club, masterminding their promotion to the top flight for the first time in 33 years.

When Megson was sacked last week Coyle was installed as Gartside’s top target and it appears the ambitious 43-year-old would welcome a move.

Having steered Burnley to promotion to the top flight for the first time in 33 years Coyle has had to work on a shoestring budget.

He recently remarked after the St Stephen’s Day fixture with Bolton that they had three times Burnley’s budget.

Yesterday morning a statement issued by Burnley yesterday confirmed Bolton had made their move for Coyle.

“We can now confirm that manager Owen Coyle has held discussions with Bolton over the vacant manager’s position at the Reebok Stadium,’’ the statement read.

“Burnley chairman Barry Kilby will now meet with Coyle to discuss his future at Turf Moor.’’