Burnley boss Steve Cotterill is the hot favourite to be named West Brom manager following a massive gamble with bookmakers last night.

Cotterill's odds for the job tumbled from 12-1 to 3-1 in just a couple of hours as the race to replace Bryan Robson hotted up.

Burnley last night revealed no official approach has been made from managerless Albion.

A statement from Turf Moor said: "There has been no approach from West Bromich Albion. The story is pure speculation at this stage."

Cotterill, whose contract at Turf Moor runs until June 2010, is believed to be one of the main names on West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace's shortlist. He wants a young, up-and-coming manager to take over at the Hawthorns.

It has been reported that Cotterill has a clause in his Clarets' contract allowing him to talk to any Championship club ready to pay £350,000 compensation.

The Clarets yesterday refused to confirm or deny reports that this clause exists.

Last night, bookmakers Coral reported a big gamble on Cotterill.

Early favourite Alan Curbishley has slipped from 6-4 to 7-2 after apparently ruling himself out of the running.

Albion assistant boss Nigel Pearson is 5-1 with former Rangers manager Alex McLeish and Luton manager Mike Newell both at 6-1.

Mark Bowen, assistant manager at Blackburn Rovers, is another name in the frame, while other high-profile managers believed to be under consideration include former Rovers boss Graeme Souness, Claudio Ranieri, Glenn Hoddle and Sanchez, who recently committed himself to the Northern Ireland post.

Peace is a big admirer of former Cheltenham and Stoke boss Cotterill, 42, who has guided Burnley to third in the Championship this season.

after an impressive start to the campaign.

The Clarets are sitting just behind leaders Cardiff and Birmingham after picking up four wins and 14 points from their first seven league games.