STEVE Cotterill insists he is in the dark over speculation linking him to the vacant manager's job at West Bromich Albion.

Burnley maintain that no official approach has been made from the Baggies for Cotterill, whose shortened 5/4 odds for the role puts him well clear of other candidates in the betting market.

It was reported that Cotterill is Albion's leading man to replace Bryan Robson, with suggestions that the 42-year-old is being lined up for an interview over the next few days.

But Cotterill, who is tied down to Turf Moor until June 2010, admits he has heard nothing.

He said: "I don't know any more than you have read."

Asked if the speculation was down to the club's impressive start to the season, in which Burnley have shot to third ahead of tomorrow's home Championship clash with Southampton, Cotterill added: "Probably. I would say that.

"I think we have done well and it's a whole team effort. I don't think it's anything specifically to do with me."

Clarets chairman Barry Kilby has issued a hands off' warning to Albion and admits any approach would be unwelcome.

But reports in the Midlands suggest Cotterill is firmly in the driving seat for the job, vacated after Robson's departure on Monday.

Sustained support in the betting market has taken Cotterill to 5/4 favourite with bookmakers Ladbrokes, while Luton boss Mike Newell is available at 6/1, with Nigel Pearson and Alan Curbishley 7/1 and 8/1 respectively.

Nick Weinberg, Ladbrokes spokesman, said: "The bets continue to pour in but it's pretty much as you were. Cotterill has seen the majority in terms of the weight of money.

"Cotterill is by far and away the punters favourite to take over at the Hawthorns. And as we've seen in the Leeds market, Alan Curbishley has been well backed to take on the job."

It is reported that the Baggies board will be keen to speak to several candidates before arriving at a final decision.

Others supposed to be in the frame include Hibs manager Tony Mowbray and his assistant Mark Venus, Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez and Southend's Steve Tilson.

It is not the first time Cotterill has been linked to Championship rivals during his Clarets tenure.

He was previously mentioned with the vacant Leicester City job following the sacking of Craig Levein, while he was said to have entered the frame when Wolves parted company with Glenn Hoddle in the summer.