Sean Dyche has attempted to quieten the uncertainty surrounding his future at Burnley with the rumoured Aston Villa and Crystal Palace target telling Sky Sports that he has a further two years on his contract at Turf Moor.
While the gravel-voiced gaffer may be navigating the choppy waters of speculation like a graceful swan, Burnley’s feet appear to be pedalling ferociously beneath the surface.
According to the Mail, Dyche’s relationship with Clarets chairman Mike Garlick has been strained by disagreements over the club’s budget.
And it was no secret that one of English football’s most outspoken coaches was left more than displeased by the failure to tie Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Lennon and co down to new contracts.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are watching the situation closely.
Dyche, with his pragmatic, uber-organised style, looks the perfect candidate to succeed Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park after all.
And Villa, if they avoid the drop of course, might be keen on a bringing in a ‘results man’ after a year full of style but little substance under Dean Smith.
But Dyche was never likely to give much away in his pre-weekend press conference.
“I’ve got two years left on my contract, that’s the obvious thing you can read into it. I’m still here.
“I’ve been linked many times with other situations and I’m still here. I’m working hard with the team, I want the team to be successful this year and so far relatively we have been.”
The Mail, however, claim that Dyche’s future is so uncertain that Burnley have already started eyeing up potential replacements.
Mark Hughes could be handed yet another Premier League lifeline while Lee Johnson has caught the eye thanks to his work at Bristol City.
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