Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has emerged as a shock target to take over at Blackpool.
The Tannadice club has confirmed that an approach has been made from the Championship side to speak with McNamara, but permission has been denied.
McNamara has issued a statement declaring his happiness to stay at United and his desire to see through the job he started a year-and-a-half ago.
But it is not known whether he was asked by Stephen Thompson if he wanted to have a conversation with Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston.
He said: “While flattered at the interest shown, I am very happy at Dundee United and wish to continue the job and build upon the foundations laid down over the last 18 months or so.
“I view the approach as a positive endorsement of all the hard work undertaken by everyone at the club in that period and have no plans to leave. All of my focus is on the forthcoming William Hill Scottish Cup final and preparations for the new season ahead.”
The club statement read: “Dundee United confirms it has denied Blackpool FC permission to speak to manager Jackie McNamara.
“The manager has been kept aware of the situation and declared that he is fully committed to the Club and very happy to remain at Dundee United for the foreseeable future.
“The club will make no further comment on this matter.”
Ironically, Blackpool were linked with an approach for McNamara’s predecessor, Peter Houston, before he stepped down at United.
Barry Ferguson was the caretaker boss who just kept the Seasiders in the Championship. He doesn’t expect to be given the job on a permamant basis though, and another ex-United man, Owen Coyle, is also thought to be in the frame.