Bolton’s search for a new manager could be relatively short lived after Burnley confirmed that former Trotters favourite  had held talks in respect of the role.

Gary Megson tenure in charge at the Reebok Stadium was ended last week and the club have wasted no time in identifying the man they hope will replace him. Coyle has taken Burnley into the Premier League and a string of impressive results and performances have increased his managerial credentials. The 43 year-old Scot who played for Bolton in the mid-1990’s would begin his new job in a much stronger position than his predecessor who was a miss with fans at the outset. He is also likely to have substantially more funds at his disposal at the Reebok than are currently available to him, a constant and niggling frustration that may swing his ultimate decision.

Burnley would be seeking compensation for the loss of their man should he decide to opt to move away from Turf Moor. Strangely enough, Coyle was reportedly on chairman Phil Garside’s list of potential successors to Sam Allardyce before plumping for the unpopular Megson. He then went on to recommend Coyle to Burnley and the Scot took over little over a month later.