BURNLEY last night hit back at suggestions they have made an illegal approach for AFC Bournemouth chief scout Des Taylor.

A war of words broke out between the two clubs after Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell accused the Clarets of improper conduct following Taylor’s resignation earlier this week.

Taylor, who worked with Eddie Howe during the Burnley boss’s two years in charge of Bournemouth, is said to be in breach of his contract, which expires in June 2012.

He cited a lack of ambition among his reasons for leaving, but Mitchell, in a statement on Bournemouth’s official website, alleged that the Clarets were involved in his decision.

Burnley subsequently issued a statement, which read: “Burnley Football Club strongly refutes allegations made today (Wednesday) by AFC Bournemouth Chairman Mr Eddie Mitchell.

“In a statement on the AFC Bournemouth official website, Mr Mitchell accuses Burnley Football Club of being “underhand and unprofessional’’ and of making an illegal approach for chief scout Mr Des Taylor.

“This statement is factually incorrect in all regards to Burnley Football Club, which has not approached, nor offered Mr Taylor any position at Turf Moor.

“Nor, as alleged by Mr Mitchell, did Burnley Football Club utilise the services of Mr Taylor at the U21 European Championships in Denmark this summer.

“In closing, Burnley Football Club will always aim to be honest, open and professional in their dealings with other football clubs.”

In response to Taylor revealing his resignation in the Bournemouth Daily Echo, Mitchell said: "It is very frustrating for someone like Des - an employee of the club - to come out in the paper, and be too frightened to disclose the truth that he has been approached by another club.

"He has admitted this, and the club in question is Burnley.

"Des is contracted to AFC Bournemouth until the end of June 2012 and his resignation means he is in full breach of his contract.

"We believe it is not the first time Burnley have approached one of our staff without informing us first, and I find it very underhand and unprofessional.

"The truth will be shown when Des signs a contract with them, or begins to work freelance, as we know the fact is they have made an approach.“

The statement claimed that Bournemouth had paid £3,000 to send Taylor to the U21 European Championships in Denmark "for Burnley's benefit and not ours".

Mitchell’s statement continued: "It's just very disappointing that I have been drawn into something like this, but I will defend the club as best I can.

"The real crux of the matter is that if someone is approached by another club, then that is fine, as long as they do things in a professional manner, then clubs are allowed to move forward without this bitter taste.”

Taylor said: “I have left for the right reasons and see my future elsewhere.

"I don’t have any concrete plans at the moment and will see what the future holds.”