WATFORD have said this afternoon that they will reject any approach for boss Malky Mackay.

Burnley retain a firm interest in Mackay and could move for the Watford manager after Paul Lambert announced that he was staying at Norwich.

But Watford chief executive Julian Winter has today confirmed that the Hornets would reject an approach for their boss.

Mackay has held an interest in the Burnley job since Laws’ exit and is not thought to have necessarily been put off by the Clarets’ approach for Lambert.

Nevertheless, though, his interest is understood to have cooled over the last few days and he may decide to stay with the Hornets, who are expected to offer him a new deal.

Bournemouth boss Howe is also thought to be on Burnley’s shortlist and the 33-year-old admitted on Saturday that he had ‘a difficult decision to make’ over his future in the next few days.

Crystal Palace are understood to have offered him the job at Selhurst Park on Friday, with League One side Charlton also now believed to have made an official approach - although Howe, who could still opt to stay at Dean Court, may be more tempted if the promotion-chasing Clarets make him an offer.

McInnes also remains in the frame.

But former Bolton boss Gary Megson yesterday confirmed to the Lancashire Telegraph that he has had no contact with Burnley despite a surge of bets on him.

Click on the link below for the verdict from the Watford FC side on the website of our sister paper the Watford Observer.