BURNLEY have had an approach to speak to Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws turned down.

Laws has strong links with the Clarets, after beginning his playing career at Turf Moor - becoming a full-time professional on his 18th birthday in 1979.

He was originally linked with Burnley in 1996 following the departure of Jimmy Mullen, but was pipped to the position by Adrian Heath.

Laws has clearly continued to impress the Burnley board since then, with two spells in charge of Scunthorpe United and current club Sheffield Wednesday.

Laws admitted he was happy with life at Hillsborough.

He said: "When another club want to speak to you it's obviously because they think you're doing something right, so in that respect Burnley's approach is flattering," he said.

"It gives you confidence and is a nice feeling - because not so long ago we were struggling here.

"But I know what I'm doing is right. Sheffield Wednesday have said no to Burnley, so that's the end of it.

"I'm committed to this club and certainly don't see my future anywhere else at the moment."

The Owls are frustrated that the approach for Laws has been made public after a reverse situation just over a year ago, when they asked for permission to speak to Steve Cotterill but kept the knock-back under wraps.

Owls chief executive Kaven Walker said: "I had a call from Burnley chairman Barry Kilby asking to speak to Brian. The approach was rejected immediately.

"We're a little bit disappointed in Burnley releasing this to the media because, just over 12 months ago, we spoke to Burnley asking if we could approach their manager.

"He said no, asked us to say nothing, and we agreed on that.

"I believed we had the same agreement yesterday.

"Brian's aware of their interest but why would he want to go to a smaller club anyway?

"We want him to stay with us."

Burnley refute any suggestion of improper conduct.