TALKS intended to bring Owen Coyle to Wanderers are now at an advanced stage, The Bolton News understands.

Chairman Phil Gartside was given permission to speak to the Burnley boss over the weekend, and travelled to talk to him in Scotland on Sunday.

Coyle is now discussing the matter with Burnley, with a view to moving clubs as quickly as possible.

But it is not yet known whether negotiations will be finalised by the close of play today.

It has been suggested that he may resign his post at Turf Moor to accelerate the process, leaving Wanderers to pay a six-figure compensation fee to the Clarets.

Assistant manager Sandy Stewart has also been strongly tipped to follow Coyle to the Reebok, having also served under him at St Johnstone.