Norwich have responded angrily to Burnley going public with their interest in Paul Lambert.
The former Celt has taken the Canaries to promotion from League One into second place in The Championship and has been identified by Burnley as the man to replace Brian Laws who was sacked last week.
A club website statement said: “Burnley Football Club can confirm that tonight (Thursday) a formal request has been submitted to Norwich City Football Club to speak to their manager Paul Lambert.
“The club has begun the process of targeting the shortlist of candidates to fill the vacant manager’s role at Turf Moor.
“And club officials have subsequently requested permission from the Norwich City board of directors to discuss the position with Lambert. Burnley Football Club will make no further comment at this time.
Norwich responded stating: “Norwich City wish to confirm, in response to Burnley’s decision this evening to publish the fact that they have made a formal request for permission to speak to Paul Lambert about their managerial vacancy, that permission has not been granted.
“Under no circumstances would the Club wish to grant permission.
“The Club will fight tooth and nail to retain the services of Paul Lambert and his team, during this critical period of the season, and whilst they remain employed under a long-term contract.
“The Club remain committed to Paul and his team in the long term, and see them as a vital part of our future plans.”
At one stage yesterday the odds on Malky Mackay being appointed as the new Burnley manager were cut to 1/5.
If Lambert does go to Burnley Mackay would be amongst the favourites to take over at Norwich where he spent seven years as a player after leaving Celtic in 1998.
In other Championship news it’s believed that Roy Keane has left Ipswich with Chris Hughton and Sam Allerdyce amongst the early favourites to take over at Portman Road.
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