Owen Coyle close to joining Bolton

Bolton are hoping to thrash out a compensation deal with Burnley in time for Owen Coyle to take charge against Sunderland on Saturday.

In the meantime caretaker boss Chris Evans, assisted by head coach Steve Wigley, will oversee the team tonight against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

After sleeping on it overnight, Coyle reiterated he wanted to leave Burnley and join Bolton, where he had a spell as a player in the 1990s.

It is a massive blow for Clarets chairman Barry Kilby and the board after they held talks with Coyle on Monday about his future plans.
The Glasgow-born boss had spoken to Kilby's counterpart at Bolton, Phil Gartside, the previous day.

Coyle led Burnley into the top flight for the first time in 33 years after moving from St Johnstone in November 2007, but believes Bolton is a better option and he looks set to replace Gary Megson, who was sacked last week.

A Burnley statement read: "Owen Coyle has reaffirmed his desire to leave Burnley and join Bolton.

"Burnley will now enter discussions with Bolton, due to the fact that compensation between the two parties has yet to be agreed.

"There will be no further comment at this time."

Meanwhile Evans is looking for his second successive win as caretaker - he was previously assistant manager - after marking his debut with a 4-0 FA Cup victory against League Two Lincoln.

That stretched Bolton's unbeaten run to five games in all competitions and they travel to London in good spirits.

Former Wolves academy chief Evans said: "It is important we are focused and take confidence from the win at the weekend into the game.

"It is never an easy time there. We will be pitting our wits against some of the best players, not only in the Premier League, but the world, so we have to compete.

"There is a good spirit and a determination among us all to do the best we can. It was a pleasing performance at the weekend, scoring four goals and keeping a clean sheet."

Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is expected to return to the side and replace Ali Al Habsi after being rested at the weekend.