St Johnstone have rejected a request from Championship side Burnley to talk to Owen Coyle about the managerial vacancy at Turf Moor.

The 39-year-old has been in charge at McDiarmid Park since April 2005 and has been earmarked by the Clarets as a possible replacement for Steve Cotterill, who left the club by mutual consent on November 8. mber.

A Burnley statement said: "Compensation was offered if it transpired Mr Coyle was later appointed as Burnley manager. However, permission to negotiate has currently been refused and the two clubs are unable to reach agreement."

St Johnstone confirmed Burnley chairman Barry Kilby had been refused permission to talk to Coyle.

"Prior to permission being given, St Johnstone sought to agree a compensation figure particularly as Owen's contract was extended in the summer to 31 May, 2010," the Scottish club said in a statement.

"The figure offered by Burnley FC fell far below St Johnstone's valuation of Owen. St Johnstone FC does not wish to impede Owen's progress but Burnley's offer proves that their value is much lower than ours."

Last week Sheffield Wednesday turned down an approach from Burnley for their manager Brian Laws. Steve Davis is currently in caretaker charge at Turf Moor.