Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal is open to a return to England with Premier League outfit Burnley keen on the outgoing Braga boss, as reported by Corriere de Manha.
The Portuguese tactician recently turned down a move to Brazilian giants Flamengo for family reasons.
But, having already spent three years in England with Wednesday and Swansea City respectively, CM points out that Burnley are unlikely to be given the short shrift should they firm up their interest in a man who was added to their managerial shortlist this week.
Following the sudden departure of Sean Dyche – previously the longest-serving boss in the Premier League – Burnley’s pursuit of a replacement has taken them, interestingly, to four managers with an excellent track record in the division below.
Who will replace Dyche at Burnley?
Carvalhal twice led Wednesday, now a third-tier side, to the play-offs. Daniel Farke dominated the Championship on two separate occasions with Norwich City. Chris Wilder and Slaven Bilic, meanwhile, sealed promotion with both Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion.
It is not certain, at this stage, who the leading candidate is. Or, for that matter, Burnley’s preferred option.
But Carvalhal’s apparent interest in a return to England could stand him in good stead. What’s more, the well-travelled former Maritimo, Sporting Lisbon and Besiktas coach will be a free agent in a matter of weeks, with he and Braga agreeing to part ways.
“I had offers from England,” Carvalhal told Marca in December. My intention was to go back there.
“I was very close to Flamengo. I finally decided to stay in Portugal because of the pandemic and because my family asked me not to leave.”
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The Northern Echo reported earlier this week that Middlesbrough were ‘extremely confident’ of retaining Wilder’s services amid interest from a Burnley side who, following their terrific 2-0 victory over Southampton on Thursday, are just one point behind Everton in 17th.
“I’ve always been incredibly committed (to Boro),” Wilder tells the BBC.
“I’m all in. I want to work in the Premier League, I want to work in the Premier League with Middlesbrough.”
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