ROTHERHAM warn: "Hands off Ronnie Moore". I understand Moore is definitely one of the men being targeted as the Clarets close in on a successor to Stan Ternent.

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has indicated he is looking for a manager with experience to carry out a radical three-year plan.

And Moore, the sixth longest serving boss in English football, certainly has that pedigree along with experience of managing a First Division side on a tight budget.

However, the Millers have warned the Clarets they will not welcome any approach for the 51-year-old, who has been in charge of United for seven seasons.

Rotherham chief executive Phil Henson said: "Burnley have not spoken to us and we are taking the position we have taken on several occasions.

"That is that we would not welcome any approach for Ronnie. He still has 12 months to run on his present contract and he has done a great job here at Millmoor.

"He is a big favourite, right back to his playing days and clearly we wouldn't want to lose him, even though he would appear to be a manager in demand."

"But I can categorically state that in all his time as manager, we have only had to turn down one approach and that was from Ipswich."

Henson confirmed that a further complication, should Burnley pursue their interest, is a £150,000 compensation clause in his current deal to ward off predators.

And Moore could yet be convinced his future lies at Millmoor, following a mooted boardroom coup.

Moore was in Jersey last weekend meeting local businessman Neil Freeman - a former Millmoor director who has promised the manager a new, lucrative contract and even a place on the board if he assumes control of the club.

However, that takeover has still not materialised, sparking suggestions that all is not cut and dried.

Meanwhile, Burnley have not yet begun formal interviews for the managerial vacancy at Turf Moor.

Out-of contract Clarets midfielder midfielder Paul Weller will today undergo surgery for the fourth time on a troublesome knee joint.