BLACKPOOL have rejected Blackburn Rovers' approach for manager Michael Appleton as chaos once again reigns at Ewood Park.

Rovers' managing director Derek Shaw confirmed an approach had been made late last night, but Blackpool have responded this morning with a refusal to allow them to speak.

Last night's official approach surprised many at Ewood Park, with global advisor Shebby Singh in the dark and caretaker duo Gary Bowyer and Terry McPhillips only informed minutes before it was made public.

It is understood the interest in Appleton comes from Shaw and operations director Paul Agnew, although they were also the duo reponsible for releasing the statement announcing Bowyer would be in temporary charge until the end of the month - also to Singh's surprise.

Appleton, who has not been at the club this week but was expected to take Blackpool training today, is understood to be growing increasingly frustrated at a lack of transfer activity at Bloomfield Road.

He said last week he hoped to make ‘four or five’ signings by today but has so far been left with none - after a move for Barnsley full back Scott Wiseman collapsed due to personal terms.

He was also left frustrated at not being backed for a move to extend the stay of Bournemouth’s Wes Thomas, leaving some at Rovers hopeful they could lure him to Ewood.

Appleton has been made the strong favourite for the Ewood Park role by the bookmakers.

Rovers have already announced caretaker duo Gary Bowyer and Terry McPhillips would be in charge until the end of the month, after Henning Berg’s dismissal following just 10 games in charge.

The pair now don't know if they will continue in the hot seat for tomorrow’s Championship trip to Wolves as efforts are ongoing in the background to find a long term successor.

Rovers’ managerial search is complicated by a divide at the top of the club, with directors Paul Agnew and Derek Shaw in conflict with global advisor Shebby Singh.

All three are in contact withclub matriarch Anuradha Desai, who is based in India, and she – together with co owners Balaji and Venkatesh Rao – will have the final say on the managerial decision.

Former Doncaster and Nottingham Forest boss Sean O’Driscoll is understood to be on Singh's possible Rovers wish-list.

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